Strike by Clinical Lecturers Halts Operations at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Medical School Over Vice-Chancellorship Exclusion
The Medical School at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, specifically the faculties of Medicine and Basic Clinical Sciences located in Nnewi Campus, has been non-operational for the past 12 days due to a strike by clinical lecturers affiliated with the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria.
This institution plays a crucial role in educating and training undergraduate medical students through theoretical and practical instruction in clinics and surgical theaters.
Dr. Sunday Oriji, the Secretary of the Association, addressed the media in Nnewi on Tuesday, explaining that the strike was a response to the exclusion of their members from applying for the vacant vice-chancellorship position at the school. He pointed out that an advertisement published by the university outlined the requirements for the role, which effectively barred medical professors from consideration.
Dr. Sunday Oriji stated that the Medical and Dental Consultants Association will not relent in their actions, insisting that the medical college will remain incapacitated until the university’s management addresses their concerns.
He emphasized, “The acting vice chancellor is a seasoned lawyer, and we trust she will make the right decision. We properly informed the administration of our intentions before taking this action.”
The congress noted that the advertisement for the Vice Chancellorship position at Nnamdi Azikiwe University specified that candidates must hold a first degree, a Master’s degree, and a PhD.
The clinical lecturers at Nnamdi Azikiwe University argued that the academic qualifications listed in the advertisement for the Vice Chancellorship position deliberately exclude their members in the faculties of Medicine and Basic Clinical Sciences. They pointed out that the requirements do not align with the academic pathways of clinical lecturers, both at NAU and globally, representing a significant departure from previous advertisements for the same role.
They stated, “We have formally informed the relevant authorities of our withdrawal of services, which will continue until the university’s management takes appropriate action.”
In response to the advertisement, the lecturers sent a letter of protest to the Acting Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umeobi, claiming that it unfairly barred their members from applying. Following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum, they commenced a strike that has now left the medical school in turmoil for nearly two weeks.
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