UNILAG Medical School Faces Academic Shutdown as Lecturers Launch Indefinite Strike

The industrial action, which officially began on Monday, May 18, 2026, comes after the expiration of a three-week ultimatum earlier issued to the university management. According to the union, negotiations with the institution failed to produce any meaningful resolution on welfare and regulatory concerns affecting its members.

Academic activities at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, have been thrown into uncertainty following the commencement of an indefinite strike by medical and dental lecturers under the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA-UNILAG).

In a notice addressed to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, the union explained that its congress resolved to withdraw members from all academic, clinical, and research duties after what it described as management’s failure to continue discussions on the union’s demands.

The strike is expected to significantly disrupt activities across the College of Medicine, with students likely to bear the brunt of suspended academic engagements and delayed examinations.

NAMDA-UNILAG Chairman, Dr. Ugburo Andrew Omotayo, stated that lecturers would no longer participate in lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions, ward rounds, or research supervision throughout the duration of the strike.

The union also announced a halt to clinical teaching activities in hospitals, clinics, wards, and theatres, effectively pausing key aspects of medical training for students.

Beyond classroom and clinical instruction, the association said its members would boycott meetings involving the university administration, the College of Medicine, and affiliated faculties and departments.

Examinations have also been affected, with the union confirming the suspension of end-of-posting assessments as well as final written and clinical examinations.

Although the specific demands were not outlined in the strike notice, the lecturers insisted that the action became necessary after repeated attempts to resolve the dispute failed. They maintained that the strike would continue until concerns raised in their April 22, 2026 demand letter are addressed and existing directives from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and the National Universities Commission are fully implemented.

Despite the hardline stance, the union said it remains open to dialogue and is willing to return to the negotiating table at any time if management demonstrates readiness to resolve the issues.

The development raises fresh concerns over possible disruptions to the academic calendar and the broader impact on medical education at one of Nigeria’s leading universities.