The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) announced its decision to review the progress made on its demands by mid-December, following a temporary suspension of their strike action. This interim cessation was prompted by discussions with the Federal Government, which has shown a willingness to address the association’s outstanding issues. Prof. Muhammad Muhammad, the National President of MDCAN, provided insight into the developments, noting that significant headway had been made, especially concerning their primary demand related to the situation at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). He emphasized that meetings held with various government ministries, including Labour and Employment, Education, and Health, were crucial for resolving the ongoing discord. The association has agreed on timelines for implementing the solutions and intends to monitor ongoing discussions carefully.
MDCAN had previously embarked on a seven-day warning strike, highlighting several key demands, most notably the removal of the Chairman of UNIZIK’s Governing Council over allegations of insubordination. Moreover, the association called for adherence to the Ministry of Education’s directive that invalidated any appointments made contrary to these directives. They are also advocating for a standardized advertisement for the Vice-Chancellor position, using a recent ad issued by Ahmadu Bello University as a template, indicating a push for transparency and a more inclusive selection process for critical university administrative roles. These steps are viewed as essential for safeguarding the governance structure and ensuring that the universities function effectively.
MDCAN’s platform includes crucial financial concerns, such as the harmonization of the retirement age for Medical Consultants to 70 years, ensuring consistency in the payment structure for Medical and Dental officers under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). The association is advocating for the payment of outstanding Clinical Duty Allowance areas for 2023 and 2024, as well as arrears from 2023 that amount to significant percentages of the CONMESS. Such financial negotiations are vital, as they directly impact the livelihood and career transition of the consultants, which in turn can affect healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
In a significant related development, President Bola Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of UNIZIK and removed key administrative figures, including its Vice-Chancellor and Registrar. This decisive move appears to stem from a broader initiative to restore stability and oversight within Nigeria’s educational institutions. Tinubu has reiterated that the core function of university councils should be the seamless operation of university activities in alignment with the legal frameworks governing these institutions. Such actions signal a commitment to reforming the leadership of educational bodies to prevent disruptions that could detract from the government’s efforts to enhance the country’s educational standards.
Moving forward, it is clear that MDCAN will maintain a diligent approach to monitoring the government’s response to their demands as conversations progress. The association has pledged to honor the agreements reached during the conciliation meeting with the Federal Government, which represents a notable step towards constructive dialogue, albeit with continued vigilance. As they prepare for a National Executive Council meeting in mid-December, the MDCAN will likely assess the effectiveness of the government’s actions in addressing their concerns and strategize accordingly on further advocacy initiatives, if necessary.
Ultimately, the culmination of these events highlights the fragile balance between professional advocacy in the medical and educational sectors and governmental responsiveness. Stakeholders from both sides must navigate these complex interactions to foster an environment where the interests of medical professionals align with government standards in educational governance; such harmony is crucial for the ongoing enhancement of Nigeria’s healthcare system and education framework.
