The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) in the South-West region has embarked on an indefinite strike, withdrawing the services of clinical lecturers in universities across the region. The core issue fueling the strike is the non-payment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) by the affected universities. This industrial action follows the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the university management on February 2nd, which itself followed an earlier ultimatum given on January 13th. The South-West chapter of MDCAN, through its Chairman, Dr. AbdulKareem Salawu, and Secretary, Dr. Omotola Obajowolo, released a statement confirming the commencement of the strike.
The Federal Government, recognizing the potential disruption this strike could cause to medical education in the region, has stepped in to mediate the dispute. The Zonal Office of the Ministry of Labour and Employment in Lagos has initiated discussions with both MDCAN and the Vice-Chancellors of the affected universities. The Director of the Zonal Office, after meeting with both parties, indicated that further consultations with the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Education in Abuja are necessary before a concrete resolution can be reached. She assured MDCAN that they would be contacted as soon as a positive commitment is secured from the relevant ministries.
Prof. Muhammad Muhammad, the National President of MDCAN, confirmed the intervention of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. He highlighted the disparity in salary structures across federal universities in Nigeria. According to him, all federal universities, except those in the South-West and the University of Ilorin, are currently implementing the CONMESS salary structure. He pointedly questioned the Vice-Chancellors of the affected universities, asserting that they are the only ones who can explain the non-payment of CONMESS, especially since the funds are reportedly allocated in the budget.
Professor Muhammad further clarified the national body’s stance on the ongoing strike in the South-West. He explained that MDCAN at the national level will not be joining the strike. This strategic decision stems from the understanding that a nationwide strike could inadvertently harm universities that are already complying with the CONMESS structure. It could also embolden those institutions that are currently defaulting on the payment of CONMESS.
The rationale behind this decision is to avoid penalizing universities that are fulfilling their obligations while simultaneously discouraging those that are not. A national strike, according to Professor Muhammad, would create a scenario where compliant universities are unfairly punished, potentially undermining their efforts and creating an uneven playing field. This measured approach aims to isolate the issue to the specific universities in the South-West and encourage a resolution without jeopardizing the progress made in other institutions.
The current situation presents a complex challenge. On one hand, the South-West chapter of MDCAN is demanding fair treatment and implementation of the nationally agreed-upon salary structure. Their concerns are valid, especially considering the budgetary allocation for CONMESS. On the other hand, a national strike could create unintended consequences for universities already adhering to the CONMESS structure. The Federal Government’s intervention offers a glimmer of hope for a resolution. The consultations between the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of Education are crucial for finding a path forward that addresses the concerns of the striking lecturers without disrupting the academic activities in other universities. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in determining the future course of action and the eventual resolution of this industrial dispute.
