The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has announced that its members will embark on a 7-day warning strike starting Monday, November 18, 2024.

The strike directive was issued by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association, urging members across all Nigerian universities and public hospitals to comply.

This decision followed an extraordinary virtual NEC meeting held on November 11, 2024, in Jos, where MDCAN reviewed the 21-day ultimatum it had earlier given the Federal Government, demanding an end to what it termed ?discriminatory treatment? toward its members.

The Association Is calling on the federal government to remove Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe from his role as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. According to MDCAN, Mbadiwe has refused to enforce a Ministry of Education directive that nullified the recent Vice-Chancellor appointment at the university.

The communique, signed by MDCAN President Professor Aminu Mohammad and Secretary Professor Daiyabu Ibrahim, also criticized the government?s inaction on extending the retirement age of medical consultants to 70, a measure they say is critical to addressing the country?s shortage of medical professionals for training, research, and healthcare services.

The NEC expressed dissatisfaction with the government?s failure to implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) universally for Clinical Lecturers in Nigerian universities, which would address disparities in salaries, entry-level placements, and pension contributions for MDCAN members.

?NEC will reconvene after the expiration of the 7-day warning strike to reassess the situation and any progress made,? the communique noted, adding that further action will depend on the government?s response.

The communique also urged the Federal Government to adopt an inclusive approach in advertising the position of Vice Chancellor, highlighting the recent advertisement for the Vice-Chancellor position at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as a model for future university leadership selection processes in Nigeria. (Vanguard)