Nnamdi Azikiwe University Medical School Shuts Down as Clinical Lecturers Begin Indefinite Strike
Clinical lecturers at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), under the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), have commenced an indefinite strike, leading to the shutdown of the university's medical school.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) Medical School has been shut down following an indefinite strike action by clinical lecturers under the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), NAU chapter. The strike, which began on Wednesday, was announced in a statement signed by Dr. Victor Modekwe and Dr. Sunday Oriji, Chairman and Secretary of MDCAN-NAUTH, respectively.
The lecturers, who are medical and dental specialists with medical fellowships, have withdrawn from all academic functions across the Faculties of Medicine, Basic Clinical Sciences, and Basic Medical Sciences. This action follows what MDCAN described as the "deliberate exclusion" of clinical lecturers from contesting for the position of Vice-Chancellor at the university.
According to MDCAN, the vacancy advertisement for the Vice-Chancellor role at NAU requires applicants to hold a first degree, Master’s degree, and a PhD, criteria that exclude clinical lecturers whose academic pathway does not typically include these qualifications. The association had previously called for the withdrawal of the vacancy advert, citing concerns about industrial harmony, but no changes were made.
“For two weeks now, our members have been excluded from the contest for the position of Vice-Chancellor. In light of this continued exclusion, the congress has resolved to proceed with an indefinite strike until the advert is withdrawn,” the statement read.
The indefinite strike action is expected to disrupt academic activities within NAU’s medical school, affecting both staff and students as the standoff between the clinical lecturers and the university administration continues.
