In a bold move that signals growing concerns within the country’s healthcare and academic sectors, Nigeria’s Medical and Dental Consultants have embarked on a 7-day nationwide strike in response to the ongoing leadership crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka. The industrial action, which commenced today, has been called by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) to express solidarity with their colleagues at NAU and to demand immediate intervention from the federal government and relevant authorities.
The strike comes in the wake of unresolved tensions surrounding the leadership of the university’s medical school, where the recent appointment of a new vice-chancellor has sparked controversy. Faculty members and staff have raised concerns about the decision-making process and governance practices, citing the negative impact these issues are having on the academic and healthcare training environment.
Dr. Okechukwu Emeka, President of MDCAN, expressed the association's frustration: “Our members, both within the university and across the country, are deeply concerned about the disruptive leadership vacuum that has impeded the functioning of Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s medical school. The crisis is not only affecting the quality of education for future doctors and dentists but is also undermining the morale of our professionals who are at the forefront of training the next generation of healthcare providers.”
The 7-day strike will see a halt in the routine medical and dental consultancy services provided by MDCAN members at various hospitals, universities, and clinics across the country. The association has emphasized that the strike action is intended to be a peaceful protest aimed at highlighting the urgent need for effective governance in educational institutions, particularly in the critical sectors of health and medicine.
In a statement, MDCAN further called on the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Federal Ministry of Health to swiftly address the situation, ensure that due process is followed, and restore stability to the institution.
“This strike is not just about the challenges at Nnamdi Azikiwe University; it is about upholding the integrity and standards of medical education across Nigeria. The leadership crisis threatens the quality of healthcare education, which will have long-term consequences for the entire nation,” Dr. Emeka said.
MDCAN has assured the public that it remains committed to resuming regular services after the conclusion of the strike, pending the resolution of the leadership issues at the university. However, the association has made it clear that it will not hesitate to escalate the action if there is no visible progress in addressing the concerns raised.