Medical lecturers at the University of Uyo have begun an indefinite strike, protesting their exclusion from the Vice-Chancellor selection process and demanding recognition of their clinical qualifications, a formal apology, and official policy corrections.
Medical educators affiliated with the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), University of Uyo Teaching Hospital chapter, have embarked on an indefinite strike. The decision follows dissatisfaction over the alleged exclusion of medical professionals from the application process for the incoming Vice-Chancellor.
The strike officially commenced at midnight on Thursday, June 26, 2025, as per the resolutions adopted during an emergency general meeting held from June 20 to 25.
“An indefinite strike has been declared by MDCAN-UUTH starting from midnight, Thursday, June 26, 2025,” the association stated.
The association emphasized that the action is comprehensive and initially suspends all academic duties of clinical lecturers, including lectures, clinical rounds, seminar coordination, assessments, and research supervision.
Reasons Behind the Strike:
- Medical academics allege exclusion from the VC selection process.
- They cite a controversial addendum in the application guidelines that undermines clinical fellowship qualifications.
- The incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo, is scheduled to exit office in December 2025.
In a letter dated June 25 and addressed to Pro-Chancellor Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), the lecturers expressed discontent with his dismissive reaction to their objections.
Banire reportedly said:
“If anybody feels it is ambiguous, let him go back to school.”
The lecturers deemed the comment offensive, stating:
“It is deeply inappropriate to refer to senior medical academics as ‘unschooled’. Such remarks are unbecoming of a SAN and university official.”
The letter, titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Service,” was co-signed by Dr. Ibiok Usendiah (Chairman) and Dr. Solomon Bassey (Secretary).
Their Demands:
- Public Clarification: Immediate publication in at least two national newspapers acknowledging the validity of Postgraduate Medical Fellowships as equivalent to a PhD for professorship in clinical medicine.
- Formal Apology: A signed, unreserved apology from the pro-chancellor for the derogatory comments made via email.
- Council Documentation: A request to officially record the acceptance of clinical fellowships in the governing council’s minutes.
Copied Authorities Include:
- Minister of Education
- Minister of Health
- Minister of State for Education
- Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary
- Other relevant bodies
The MDCAN maintained that it sought amicable alternatives before initiating the strike but received a disappointing reply instead.
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