Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s (UNIZIK) College of Medicine remains in a state of shutdown for over a week, as clinical lecturers engage in a strike to contest what they deem unfair eligibility criteria for the Vice Chancellor position.
The protest was initiated after the Governing Council of UNIZIK recently advertised the VC position with requirements that the lecturers claim unfairly disadvantage candidates from the medical faculties.
The Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), represented by its Chairman Dr. Victor Modekwe and Secretary Dr. Sunday Oriji, issued a communique rejecting the council’s advertisement.
They argue that the stipulations—specifically the mandates for a first degree, a Master’s degree, and a PhD—fail to recognize the unique career progression of clinical lecturers.
The group insists that a Post-Graduate Medical Fellowship should be acknowledged in place of the PhD, while also excluding the Master’s degree as a requirement.
Dr. Modekwe emphasized, “The academic pathway of clinical lecturers does not align with the advertised criteria. We demand the withdrawal of the advertisement and its revision to reflect our professional realities.”
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Students at the College of Medicine expressed their distress over the ongoing strike, fearing that prolonged academic inactivity could hinder their graduation timelines.
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One student, speaking on the condition of anonymity, lamented, “If this strike continues for another week, our set may not graduate this year. We have been without guidance for clinical postings that are essential for our final exams. This is my eighth year in medical school, and disruptions from COVID-19 and past ASUU strikes have already cost us enough time.”
While attempts to reach the striking lecturers for comment were largely unsuccessful, the students voiced their frustrations.
“We are confused about what is going on. It has not been this bad in UNIZIK medical school before, and we are calling on authorities to resolve the issue quickly,” added the student.
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