MDCAN Maintains Seven-Day Warning Strike, Threatens Further Action if Demands Are Ignored
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a seven-day warning strike, signaling the possibility of further actions if the Federal Government fails to address its demands.
MDCAN President, Prof. Muhammad A. Muhammad, made this known during a news conference in Kano on Tuesday, following the initiation of the nationwide strike on Monday. Prof. Muhammad explained that the warning strike was a decision made at an extraordinary virtual meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) held on November 11, 2024, after the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the government, which had gone unanswered.
The MDCAN leadership expressed deep concern over what they described as 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 the appointment process. Prof. Muhammad emphasized that it was disturbing that appointees who had been selected under this disputed process continued to present themselves as legitimate officeholders.
Among the key issues raised by MDCAN is the failure of the Federal Government to harmonize the retirement age for medical consultants to 70 years, a move the association sees as essential to addressing the ongoing shortage of experts needed for training, research, and healthcare delivery. “There is an urgent need for the Federal Government to act on the retirement age issue to ensure an adequate supply of specialists in the healthcare system,” Prof. Muhammad stressed.
Another critical demand is the universal implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for clinical lecturers in Nigerian universities. MDCAN pointed out the significant discrepancies in salaries, entry levels, and pension contributions between medical lecturers and their counterparts in other fields. The association called for the full and uniform adoption of CONMESS for all medical and dental officers to rectify these inequities and promote fairness in compensation.
The MDCAN also demanded the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, citing his insubordination and disregard for the Ministry of Education’s directive on the nullification of appointments. The association urged the government to take decisive action to ensure the upholding of due process.
Additionally, the association called for the payment of arrears for the 2023 and 2024 Clinical Duty Allowance, as well as the 25%/35% CONMESS arrears for 2023. MDCAN also suggested that the recent advertisement for the position of Vice Chancellor at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, be used as a model for future appointments to ensure transparency and fairness.
The MDCAN has given the Federal Government until the conclusion of the seven-day warning strike to address these issues. Prof. Muhammad indicated 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 strike ends. If not, we are prepared to escalate our actions,” he warned.
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