The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has vowed to continue its seven-day warning strike and take further action if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands.
MDCAN President, Prof. Muhammad A. Muhammad, made this declaration during a press conference in Kano on Tuesday, following the strike’s commencement on Monday.
Prof. Muhammad explained that the decision to initiate the warning strike was made after an extraordinary virtual meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) on November 11, 2024, in response to the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the government, which had gone unanswered.
“The NEC was dismayed by the blatant disregard for due process shown by the Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who proceeded with the selection of a Vice Chancellor despite the Federal Government’s directive nullifying such appointments,” Prof. Muhammad said. “It is shocking that these appointees continue to act as if their positions are legitimate.”
Among the primary grievances highlighted by MDCAN is the failure of the Federal Government to harmonize the retirement age for medical consultants to 70 years. Prof. Muhammad stressed the importance of this reform to address the severe shortage of healthcare professionals and experts needed for training and research.
“There is an urgent need for the Federal Government to address the retirement age issue to ensure we have enough qualified experts in the system to meet the nation’s healthcare and educational needs,” he said.
Another major concern is the non-implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for clinical lecturers in Nigerian universities. Prof. Muhammad pointed out the significant discrepancies in salaries, entry levels, and pension contributions for medical lecturers, which remain a challenge.
“The Federal Government must ensure the universal implementation of CONMESS for all medical and dental officers. This will address the disparities and promote fairness in remuneration,” he added.
The association also called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for insubordination and failure to comply with the Ministry of Education’s directive nullifying his appointments.
“The government must take decisive action to relieve the council chairman of his duties to uphold due process,” Prof. Muhammad stated.
Additional demands from MDCAN include the payment of 2023 and 2024 Clinical Duty Allowance arrears, as well as the 25%/35% CONMESS arrears for 2023. The association also recommended using the recent Vice Chancellor recruitment advertisement at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as a model for future appointments.
MDCAN has given the Federal Government until the end of the warning strike to address these issues. Prof. Muhammad revealed that the NEC would reconvene on Sunday, November 24, 2024, to reassess the situation and determine the next course of action.
“We hope the government will respond positively before the expiration of this strike. If not, we are prepared to escalate our actions,” he concluded.
