Clinical lecturers at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State, affiliated with the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), have issued a stern warning of potential strike action. Their grievance stems from what they perceive as discriminatory policies embedded in the criteria for appointing the institution’s next Vice-Chancellor. These lecturers contend that the stipulated qualifications appear deliberately crafted to exclude them from contention, potentially favoring a specific segment of the university or even pre-selecting a particular candidate or a small group. This brewing discontent underscores a broader struggle for recognition and fair representation within the academic hierarchy.
The MDCAN chapter at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, represented by Chairman Dr. Ibiok Usendiah and Secretary Dr. Solomon Bassey, formalized their concerns in a memo to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council. Dated June 13, 2025, and titled “Exclusion of clinical lecturers/Professors from the race for office of the VC of UNIUYO; protest against discrimination,” the memo articulates their objections and sets a two-week deadline for the governing council to address the issue before the six-week application window for the Vice-Chancellor position closes. This ultimatum signifies the seriousness of their intent and sets the stage for potential escalation if their demands are not met. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2025, to assess the situation and chart their course of action.
Central to the lecturers’ complaint is the perceived devaluation of their specialized training. They argue that despite the rigorous and extended training required to become a clinical lecturer, the governing council has effectively barred them from leading the university. This, they claim, flies in the face of precedent, citing instances where medical professors with fellowships have successfully served as Vice-Chancellors at other established universities across the country. The memo points to the recent establishment of specialized health sciences universities in Nigeria, often led by medical doctors as Vice-Chancellors, as a direct consequence of similar protests against discrimination within traditional universities. The creation of the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), distinct from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), further underscores the perceived inadequacy of existing structures to protect their interests.
The memo emphasizes the potential ripple effects of these discriminatory policies. The lecturers warn that continued marginalization could fuel calls for separating colleges of health sciences from traditional universities, leading to the formation of independent institutions with their own leadership. The MDCAN chapter at UNIUYO urges the Pro-Chancellor to leverage his authority to rectify these policies, advocating for a more inclusive selection process that reflects the diversity and complexities of the academic community. The lecturers also remind the council of their previously suspended strike, initiated by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which could be reactivated if their concerns remain unaddressed.
This potential disruption looms large as the lecturers await a response from the Governing Council. The memo reiterates their commitment to ensuring equitable representation and emphasizes the potential consequences of inaction. They express hope for a favorable resolution, emphasizing that the stability of the university hinges on addressing these concerns promptly and effectively. This situation highlights the broader issue of representation and equity within academia, raising questions about the inclusivity of leadership selection processes and the recognition of specialized expertise within different disciplines.
Adding fuel to the fire, clinical lecturers at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), also under the MDCAN banner, have already initiated an indefinite strike, mirroring the concerns of their counterparts at UNIUYO. Their primary demand is a revised advertisement for the Vice-Chancellor position that they consider more inclusive. The UNICAL lecturers protest what they perceive as deliberate exclusion from their institution’s selection process, citing the governing council’s refusal to amend the job advert. This parallel action highlights a growing trend of dissent among clinical lecturers across Nigerian universities, underscoring the urgency of addressing these systemic concerns.
