The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to a seven-day warning strike, with the possibility of escalating actions if the Federal Government does not address its demands.
MDCAN President, Prof. Muhammad A. Muhammad, announced this during a press conference in Kano on Tuesday, following the nationwide strike that began on Monday.
Prof. Muhammad explained that the decision to embark on the warning strike was made during an extraordinary virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on November 11, 2024.
This move came after the government failed to respond to a 21-day ultimatum issued earlier.
“The NEC observed with utter disbelief the reckless disregard for due process by the Governing Council Chairman of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who proceeded with the selection of a Vice Chancellor despite the Federal Government’s directive nullifying any appointment made under that process,” said Prof. Muhammad. “It is shocking that such appointees continue to parade themselves as legitimate office holders.”
Among the key grievances cited by the MDCAN is the failure of the Federal Government to harmonize the retirement age of medical consultants to 70 years. Prof. Muhammad highlighted this as a critical need, given the current shortfall in manpower for training, research, and healthcare delivery.
“There is an urgent need for the Federal Government to address the retirement age issue to ensure we have enough experts in the system to meet the nation’s healthcare and training demands,” he stressed.
Another major demand is the universal implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for clinical lecturers in Nigerian universities.
According to the MDCAN president, the discrepancy in emoluments, entry levels, and pension contributions for medical lecturers remains a significant challenge.
“The Federal Government must ensure the universal applicability of CONMESS for all medical and dental officers. This will mitigate the shortfalls and restore fairness in remuneration,” Prof. Muhammad stated.
The MDCAN also called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for insubordination, and disregard for the Ministry of Education’s directive nullifying appointments.
“The government must act decisively by relieving the council chairman of his duties to uphold due process,” he added.
The association has also called for the payment of 2023 and 2024 Clinical Duty Allowance arrears, along with the settlement of 25%/35% CONMESS arrears for 2023.
Additionally, the MDCAN proposed that the Federal Government adopt the recent advertisement for the Vice Chancellor position at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as a model for future academic appointments.
Prof. Muhammad stated that the government has until the end of the warning strike to address these concerns. He further disclosed that the NEC is scheduled to reconvene on Sunday, November 24, 2024, to evaluate the government’s response and determine subsequent actions.
“We hope the government will respond positively before the expiration of this strike. If not, we are ready to escalate our actions,” he warned.