The medical school of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, which includes the faculties of Medicine and Basic Clinical Sciences at the Nnewi Campus, has been non-operational for the past 12 days due to a withdrawal of services by clinical lecturers affiliated with the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria.
This medical school is responsible for educating and training undergraduate medical students in both theoretical and practical settings, including clinics and surgical theatres.
Dr. Sunday Oriji, the Secretary of the Association, spoke to journalists in Nnewi on Tuesday, explaining that the strike was initiated in response to the exclusion of their members from eligibility for the vacant vice-chancellorship position at the school.
The university’s recent advertisement for the position specified requirements that effectively barred medical professors from applying.
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Oriji stated that the Association is resolute in its stance and will not relent until the university administration rectifies the situation. He noted, “The acting vice-chancellor is a seasoned lawyer, and we trust that she will do what is right. We had formally notified them of our intentions before taking this action.”
The advertisement for the vice-chancellorship position required applicants to possess a first degree, a Master’s degree, and a PhD. Oriji highlighted that this academic pathway does not align with that of clinical lecturers, both at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and globally, thus intentionally excluding members from the faculties of Medicine and Basic Clinical Sciences.
He referred to this as a significant departure from similar advertisements in the past.
The clinical lecturers have formally communicated their protest to the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umeobi, regarding the advertisement.
Following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum without resolution, they proceeded to strike, resulting in the ongoing disruption of the school for nearly two weeks.
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