Awka, October 17, 2024 – Michael Ovat
The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has refuted claims by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) alleging that its members are being deliberately excluded from the ongoing vice chancellor selection process.
MDCAN, in a statement, expressed concerns over an advert approved by the university’s Governing Council, chaired by Mr. Greg Mbadiwe, which required a PhD as a mandatory qualification for the position. MDCAN argued that their medical fellowship should be considered equivalent to a PhD, and thus eligible for the VC race.
In response, UNIZIK management, through Dr. Emma Ojukwu, the vice chancellor’s special adviser on public relations, advised MDCAN to seek clarification from the National Universities Commission (NUC) on whether a medical fellowship equates to a PhD. The university also urged striking MDCAN members, who are clinical lecturers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), to return to work as the strike was impacting healthcare services.
The university’s Governing Council reiterated that a PhD was required, but if the NUC confirms that a medical fellowship is equivalent, MDCAN members would be considered eligible. The council stressed its commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all staff and urged MDCAN to pursue dialogue over industrial action.
The strike continues to affect healthcare delivery at the institution, despite efforts to resolve the dispute.
