The Medical School of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Nnewi Campus which houses Faculties of Medicine and Basic Clinical Sciences has been shut down for twelve (12) days as clinical lecturers are on strike.
These lecturers, who are members of Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), have withdrawn their services over the exclusion of medical professors from applying for the vacant vice-chancellorship position of the university.
The medical school is where undergraduate medical students are trained, theoretical education, clinical practice and surgical training.
But since the strike started, operations have been grounded and the university’s medical program is severely affected.
Why the Strike?
Dr. Sunday Oriji, Secretary of MDCAN spoke to journalists in Nnewi, said the strike was as a result of an advertisement by the university administration for the vacant Vice Chancellor position.
The advertisement required applicants to have a first degree, master’s degree and PhD. Which means medical professors cannot apply as their academic track does not fit into this requirement.
He said the clinical lecturers find it deliberate and unfair.
“The advert is different from previous ones for the same position” he said.
He added that the strike will continue until the university management correct the anomaly.
MDCAN’s Position
Oriji said the acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umeobi, a lawyer, should address the issue.
“We believe the acting VC will do what is right, but until then our members will not work.” he said.
He explained that clinical lecturers at UNIZIK like their counterparts globally do not follow the academic path as specified in the advert.
“They do not have the degrees as specified in the advert. This is unfair and is preventing qualified members from the Faculties of Medicine and Basic Clinical Sciences from contesting for the top position.” he said.
“We have written to all the relevant bodies and institutions, we are not going back to work until our demands are met.”
Timeline
The clinical lecturers had written to Prof. Arinze-Umeobi before the strike. However, after the university administration failed to respond within the 7 days given by the association, the lecturers started the strike which is now in its second week.
The strike has disrupted the medical school, no lectures, no clinical sessions, no surgeries, students are in limbo.
What’s Happening?
Students, faculty and other stakeholders are waiting for a quick solution. The medical school is grounded and unless the university management intervenes, the impasse may further prolong and affect the academic calendar and delay the graduation of medical students.
Now it’s in the hands of UNIZIK management, MDCAN and the entire medical school community is waiting for the next move to address the issues raised by the clinical lecturers.
Will Prof. Arinze-Umeobi and her team revise the VC eligibility criteria or find another solution? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, the medical school’s future remains uncertain as the strike enters its third week.
Follow Us
