MDCAN Threatens Shutdown Over Exclusion of Members from Unizik VC Race

By Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka

The Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), has voiced strong objections to what it perceives as a deliberate exclusion of its members from the Vice Chancellor position at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

In a communique issued following an Emergency General Meeting, MDCAN condemned the insertion of criteria that do not reflect the unique career progression pathways of its members. The communique, signed by MDCAN-NAUTH Chairman Dr. Victor Modekwe and Secretary Dr. Sunday Oriji, was disseminated to journalists in Awka on Friday.

The association highlighted that the job advertisement stipulates that candidates for the VC position must possess a first degree, Master’s degree, and PhD. MDCAN members argue that the academic trajectory for clinical lecturers, both at NAU and internationally does not align with these requirements. Specifically, they noted that the academic pathway for clinical lecturers involves obtaining a first degree (MBBS/BDS), passing a Primary Fellowship Examination, followed by Part I and Part II/Final Fellowship Examinations, which culminate in the award of a Medical Fellowship.

Furthermore, MDCAN criticized the stipulation that applicants must have a PhD and 15 years of experience, pointing out that the absence of a requirement for a postgraduate Medical Fellowship is a departure from similar advertisements for the position in 2019 and detrimental to the medical profession in Nigeria.

“MDCAN, on August 2, formally reached out to the office of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, expressing concerns about the insertion of requirements that would unjustly exclude qualified lecturers from the faculties of Medicine, Basic Clinical Sciences, and Basic Medical Sciences,” the communique stated.

MDCAN demanded the withdrawal of the advertisement within seven days, warning that failure to do so would lead to a total shutdown of all medical education sectors at the university. The proposed industrial action would involve a complete withdrawal of medical and clinical lecturers from academic responsibilities in their respective faculties.

The association emphasized, “We call for a reconsideration of the advertisement to include the academic pathways of Medical/Clinical lecturers. Specifically, we recommend that the term ‘PhD’ be replaced with ‘Post-Graduate Medical Fellowship’ and that the requirement of a Master’s degree be omitted to reflect our established career pathway.

“If the advertisement is not retracted within seven days from the date of this letter, we will have no choice but to initiate an indefinite industrial action until these concerns are adequately addressed,” the communique concluded.

MDCAN urged the university council and all concerned Nigerians to act swiftly to prevent an unnecessary disruption in the university’s operations.