Academic activities at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos may be significantly disrupted following the commencement of an indefinite industrial action by medical and dental lecturers under the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics, UNILAG chapter.
In a press statement, the union confirmed that its members have withdrawn from all academic, clinical and research duties after talks with the university management reportedly broke down over unresolved welfare and regulatory concerns.
In a formal notice addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Folasade Ogunsola, the lecturers stated that the strike began on Monday, May 18, 2026, following the expiration of a three-week ultimatum earlier issued to management.
The notice, signed by NAMDA-UNILAG Chairman, Ugburo Andrew Omotayo, noted that the association’s congress, held on May 15, resolved to commence the industrial action after what it described as the “failure of management to engage in further negotiations concerning our demands.”
The action is expected to severely impact medical training and academic operations within the College of Medicine, as lecturers have suspended lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions, ward rounds, and supervision of research projects.
“Our members will not be involved in lectures of medical students, tutorial teaching, seminar teaching, case-based learning, clinical teaching in the clinics, the wards and theatres,” the letter stated.
The union further announced that there would be “no laboratory teaching, demonstrations and supervision of research,” adding that members would also boycott meetings involving the university, the College of Medicine and affiliated faculties and departments throughout the duration of the strike.
NAMDA-UNILAG also declared the suspension of all examinations, including end-of-posting assessments as well as final written and clinical examinations.
“Furthermore, there will be no end-of-posting examinations, and final examinations written and clinical,” the union said.
The lecturers maintained that the strike would continue until the issues raised in their April 22, 2026 demand letter are addressed and relevant circulars from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and the National Universities Commission are fully implemented.
Although the specific demands were not detailed in the notice, the union insisted the strike became unavoidable after efforts to resolve the dispute failed.
“NAMDA-UNILAG members remain committed to negotiations in good faith and are available at any day, any time to meet with the management to find a resolution of the dispute,” Omotayo stated.
He added that the union embarked on the strike “with all sense of responsibility” and said it did not wish for the academic calendar to suffer unnecessary disruption.
