The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has given the Federal Government an additional three weeks to conclude discussions on its outstanding demands, warning that failure to do so could lead to industrial action.
In a communiqué issued to journalists in Uyo on Friday, the association said the government must conclude the negotiations by August 31, 2026, or face a possible strike.
The communiqué, signed by NAMDA President, Dr Nosa Lancy Orhue, and Acting Secretary-General, Prof. Aniekan Peter, stated that the three-week extension was approved at the end of the association’s Emergency National Executive Council meeting.
It read, “A three-week timeline extension was adopted for a possible further consideration. E-NEC further resolved that the extension period should be utilised by government to resolve all outstanding issues.
It further mandated all branches across the country to engage their members by organising congresses and sensitisation programmes at least twice within the timeframe and send evidence or reports of the mobilisation activities to the NEC through the secretariat.
It added that the reports should indicate the level of preparedness and mobilisation for the strike action.
While decrying the alleged reluctance of the government to conclude negotiations with NAMDA, the communiqué applauded the Directorate of State Services (DSS) and some friends of the association for their ongoing interventions in the negotiations, as well as members’ patience and cooperation in ensuring stability within the university system.
The association further decried the non-prioritisation of medical education and training despite the dearth of medical and dental doctors and the Japa syndrome in Nigeria.
It also reaffirmed the need to pursue the full implementation of all approved benefits for medical and dental lecturers, even as it urged members to ensure compliance with all directives and decisions reached at the meeting.
