UNICAL Clinical Lecturers Embark on Indefinite Strike Over VC Selection Criteria

Clinical lecturers at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) have begun an indefinite strike in protest against the criteria for selecting a new Vice Chancellor.

The lecturers, represented by the Medical and Dental Consultants' Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), argue that the requirement for applicants to possess a PhD is discriminatory against medical academics who hold Medical Fellowships.

The dispute arises from a job advertisement that specified the PhD requirement, which MDCAN claims disqualifies its members who possess terminal degrees in their field. Despite several petitions and meetings, the University Governing Council has not revised the criteria, prompting the lecturers to withdraw their services.

The strike may have far-reaching implications for the university's academic activities. The lecturers' counterparts at the University of Uyo have also expressed concerns and warned that they may take similar action if their grievances are not addressed.