The National Executive Council (NEC), Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), has declared a 7-day warning strike and demanded the removal of the Pro-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, in Anambra State.
Recall that the university has been embroiled in a crisis over the exclusion of members of MDCAN from the contest for the university vice chancellorship.
The Association, in a communiqué issued and signed by its President, Prof. Aminu Mohammad, and Secretary, Prof. Daiyabu Ibrahim, respectively, at the end of its extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) virtual meeting coordinated from Jos, said the strike will take effect from Monday, November 18, 2024, adding that it will affect all services rendered by its members in all Nigerian universities and public hospitals in the country.
It also demanded that the federal government should immediately relieve Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe from his position as pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, for his insubordination and refusal to enforce the Ministry of Education’s directive nullifying the recent appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the university.
The MDCAN further expressed dismay that the affected appointees are still parading themselves as the pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council and vice-chancellor, respectively.
The Association further wants a review of the retirement age of medical consultants to 70 years to address the current shortfall of critical manpower for training, research, and healthcare services in the country.
The NEC frowned at the failure of the government to universally implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for Clinical Lecturers in all Nigerian Universities, which aims to mitigate the current shortfalls in the emolument, entry-level, and pension contribution of its members.
The communiqué further called on the Federal Government to develop an all-inclusive prototype of advertisement for the Office of Vice-Chancellor.
They argued that the advertisement for the Office of Vice Chancellor, as recently issued by Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, should serve as a guide for future selection of the university’s vice-chancellors in the country.
The MDCAN further demanded the harmonization of payment of emoluments of medical lecturers with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to ensure the universal applicability of CONMESS to all medical and dental officers.
It further resolved that NEC would reconvene at the expiration of the 7-day warning strike notice to reassess the situation and progress made to enable them to take the next line of action.
ASUU bans members
In a similar development, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has directed its members not to attend any meeting convened by the new Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Bernard Odoh.
ASUU Chairman in the institution, Prof Kingsley Ubaoji, in a statement he signed and sent out to journalists in Awka, said attending Odoh’s meetings would legitimize his illegitimate claim to the office and undermine the institution’s authority.
He said: “We expect Prof. Odoh to respect legitimate authorities and avoid causing disorder in the university.
Members who attend his meetings will face consequences. We appreciate your cooperation in upholding academic integrity and excellence.
“We have been informed of a meeting convened today by Dr. Benard Odoh, whose appointment as the Vice Chancellor of our great University is barred by Court Order and has been nullified. Do not attend this meeting.
“We expect Dr Odoh to be civil and decent enough to subordinate himself to legitimate authorities. His appointment stands against a Court Order and has been declared null and void by the Federal Ministry of Education.
He has no authority to the position he claims. He should avoid precipitating a breakdown of law and order in our University. We urge all ASUU members to remain vigilant and informed about any developments related to Dr. Odoh’s activities. If you receive any invitations or information regarding any meeting with him, please disregard.
“We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to upholding the principles of academic integrity and excellence. Together, we will protect the interests of ASUU members and ensure the institution’s integrity.”
Withdraw all court cases in 7 days
Earlier this week, the Governing Council issued an ultimatum to aggrieved staff to withdraw court cases as rising from the appointment of a new vice chancellor and registrar.
The Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe-led governing council gave all staff that instituted legal actions against the council on the two new appointments a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw the cases or face disciplinary action.
Following the appointment of vice chancellor and registrar, some staff went to court to challenge the selection exercise, citing non-compliance with due process by the council.
The federal government through the Federal Ministry of Education, nullified the two appointments based on the exclusion of internal council members and the minister of education representative in the council.
In a circular to the university community dated November 11, 2024, and signed by the registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike warned the affected staff to comply with the directive or face disciplinary action.
Among the principal officers who copied the contentious circular were the embattled Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, Deputy VC (Admin), Deputy VC (Academics), Registrar, Bursar, Librarian, Provost, Dean of Students Affairs, Deans of Faculties, Directors, Heads of Departments, and the file of the concerned staff.
The circular reads: “The Pro-Chancellor, on behalf of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, issues this directive to all staff members who have filed lawsuits against the university. You are required to withdraw these cases within seven days of this notice.
“Failure to comply with this directive will be considered an act of defiance against the council’s authority and will be treated accordingly.”
It further added: “Your prompt adherence to this directive is expected and appreciated.”
In a related development, some UNIZIK staff, for fear of their lives, have gone underground.
Some staff who shared their fears with our correspondent revealed that they have relocated out of the campus.
According to one of the staff, some colleagues asked him to drop his opposition to the appointment of a new vice chancellor and registrar.
“Some of my colleagues asked me to be careful and advised that I relocated to another place outside the campus. As I speak with you, I have left my official quarters for fear of my life,” he stated.
