Academic activities at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, may face major disruption following the commencement of an indefinite industrial action by medical and dental lecturers under the aegis of the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics, UNILAG chapter (NAMDA-UNILAG).

In a press statement, the union announced that its members have withdrawn from all academic, clinical and research activities after negotiations with the university management reportedly collapsed over unresolved welfare and regulatory issues.

In a formal notice addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, the lecturers said the strike took effect from Monday, May 18, 2026, following the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued to management.

The notice, signed by NAMDA-UNILAG Chairman, Dr. Ugburo Andrew Omotayo, stated that the congress of the association held on May 15 resolved to embark on the industrial action after what it described as the “failure of management to engage in further negotiations concerning our demands.”

The development is expected to affect medical students and academic activities across the College of Medicine, with lecturers suspending lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions, ward rounds and supervision of research projects.

“Our members will not be involved in lectures of medical students, tutorial teaching, seminar teaching, case-based learning, clinical teaching in the clinics, the wards and theatres,” the letter stated.

The union further declared that there would be “no laboratory teaching, demonstrations and supervision of research,” adding that members would also boycott meetings involving the university, the College of Medicine and associated faculties and departments during the strike period.

NAMDA-UNILAG also announced the suspension of examinations, including end-of-posting assessments and final written and clinical examinations.

“Furthermore, there will be no end-of-posting examinations, and final examinations written and clinical,” the union said.

The lecturers maintained that the strike would continue until issues raised in their April 22, 2026 demand letter are addressed and extant circulars from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and the National Universities Commission are fully implemented.

Although details of the demands were not disclosed in the notice, the union insisted that the action became inevitable after efforts to resolve the dispute failed.

“NAMDA-UNILAG members remain committed to negotiations in good faith and are available at any day, any time to meet with the management to find a resolution of the dispute,” Omotayo stated.

He added that the union embarked on the strike “with all sense of responsibility” and did not wish for the academic calendar to suffer unnecessary disruption. (Vanguard)

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