The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics has dismissed reports suggesting that its members have embarked on a strike, clarifying that the union remains fully operational and independent in its decisions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja and jointly signed by its President, Dr. Nosa Lancy-Orhue; Secretary-General, Dr. Abdulrahman Shehu; and National Liaison Officer, Dr. Muhammad Askira, the association emphasized that it was not part of any ongoing industrial action by other academic unions.
“NAMDA is not on strike, and we will not be blackmailed, coaxed, or lured away from the interest of our members,” the statement read.
The association, which represents medical lecturers in universities, tertiary health institutions, and research centers, noted that it remains an autonomous body capable of negotiating its affairs directly with the Federal Government.
According to the statement, the clarification followed increasing enquiries from the public and media regarding the union’s stance amid the ongoing service withdrawal by another university-based academic union.
While acknowledging that its members have long faced neglect, NAMDA reaffirmed its commitment to support “legitimate demands that do not adversely affect the interests of its members.”
The association disclosed that it has been engaging constructively with the Federal Government through the Ministries of Labour and Education, describing the dialogue as “very encouraging.”
It said key concerns under discussion include the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Workers Salary Structure, and the reversal of the policy making a PhD compulsory for medical lecturers who already possess postgraduate fellowships.
“The Minister of Education, during a meeting facilitated by the Minister of Labour, assured us that the issues affecting medical lecturers would be addressed promptly,” the statement added.
NAMDA also called for the Federal Executive Council to approve the long-pending scheme of service contained in memorandum CM(90)92, which was based on recommendations made by a committee chaired by the late Chief Justice Atanda Fatai Williams.
On the issue of Earned Academic Allowances, the union said the Minister of Education had apologized for an error in a letter from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, which seemed to restrict the allowance to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
NAMDA alleged that some university managements, in collaboration with a “sister union,” had tried to exclude its members from receiving the allowances, citing the case of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, where the governing council reportedly stated that medical lecturers were not entitled to the payments.
The association revealed that it had petitioned the Department of State Services to probe how two contradictory letters on the same issue emanated from the Accountant-General’s office.
“The conditions of service for medical and dental lecturers cannot be satisfactorily negotiated by anyone but medical academics under NAMDA,” the group asserted.
It further urged the Federal Government to expedite the issuance of a circular implementing CONMESS and instruct the National Universities Commission to reaffirm the withdrawal of the circular making a PhD mandatory for promotion or eligibility for the position of Vice-Chancellor.
NAMDA reiterated that any future decision to withdraw services would be taken in line with its constitution and only after due consideration.
“Such an action, if ever taken, will have serious implications for both the education and health sectors,” the association warned.
