Medical lecturers at the University of Uyo, under the umbrella of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) chapter, have embarked on an indefinite strike over what they describe as an unfair selection process for the appointment of the institution’s next Vice-Chancellor.
The industrial action commenced at midnight on Thursday, June 26, 2025, following resolutions reached during an Extraordinary General Meeting held between June 20 and 25.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Uyo, MDCAN declared the strike “total,” affecting all academic duties of clinical lecturers. These include lectures, seminars, ward rounds, practical sessions, symposia, research supervision, and the administration of tests and exams.
The dispute centers on the alleged exclusion of medical academics from the advertised eligibility criteria for the Vice-Chancellorship. The current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo, is due to complete his tenure in December 2025.
MDCAN expressed outrage at what they viewed as a dismissive response from the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), to their call for a fair and inclusive process. In a letter dated June 25 and titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Service,” signed by MDCAN Chairman Dr. Ibiok Usendiah and Secretary Dr. Solomon Bassey, the association detailed their grievances and demands.
The lecturers were particularly angered by a reported remark from the pro-chancellor, who allegedly said, “If anybody feels it is ambiguous, let him go back to school,” in response to concerns about the exclusion of holders of Postgraduate Medical Fellowships from the application process.
“We are mortified by the suggestion that we, medical doctors and academics at the highest levels of our profession, are ‘unschooled.’ This is a deeply offensive and unprofessional statement from a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,” the association stated.
The association called for:
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A public clarification, published in at least two national newspapers, affirming that a Postgraduate Medical Fellowship is acceptable in place of a PhD for professorial positions in clinical medicine.
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Inclusion of this clarification in the official records of the University’s Governing Council.
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A full, written, and unreserved apology from the Pro-Chancellor for his “insulting and demeaning” response.
The letter was also copied to the Ministers of Education and Health, the Minister of State for Education, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, and other relevant stakeholders.
MDCAN noted that it had explored peaceful means to resolve the issue but was compelled to strike after receiving what it considered a disrespectful and dismissive response to its concerns.