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Medical lecturers at the University of Uyo, affiliated with the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, have initiated an indefinite strike regarding the criteria for appointing a new Vice-Chancellor.
A statement released to Journalist in Uyo on Sunday reported that the strike began at midnight on Thursday, June 26, 2025, following decisions made during an extraordinary general meeting between June 20 and June 25.
The association stated, “In accordance with the resolutions from our extraordinary general meeting held between June 20 and June 25, 2025, an indefinite strike has been declared by MDCAN UUTH beginning from midnight of June 26, 2025.”
They further clarified that the strike is comprehensive and initially impacts all academic activities performed by clinical lecturers at the university.
“The full strike will presently involve all operations of clinical lecturers at the University of Uyo, including classroom lectures, seminar presentations, teaching rounds, practicals, symposia, research supervision, as well as the administration of tests and examinations,” the statement highlighted.
The protest arises from allegations of the exclusion of medical academics from the application procedure for the Vice-Chancellor position, as announced by the institution.
The current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo, is due to complete his tenure in December. In a letter dated June 25, 2025, addressed to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), the lecturers voiced their dissatisfaction over what they considered a dismissive response to their appeal for a fair process.
The pro-chancellor reportedly responded, “If anybody feels it is ambiguous, let him go back to school. It is clear enough for our purpose, and whoever is interested should apply.”
The letter, titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Service,” was signed by the association’s Chairman, Dr. Ibiok Usendiah, and Secretary, Dr. Solomon Bassey.
Those copied on the letter include the Minister of Education, the Minister of Health, the Minister of State for Education, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, along with several other pertinent authorities.
The association stated, “We sought alternative methods to resolve these issues when the addendum was received and had sent an email requesting you use your influence to amend the addendum.
However, we were surprised by your response to our civil plea for you to act correctly.”
They expressed disappointment at the tone of the pro-chancellor's reply. “We are understandably mortified at the assumption that we, as an association of medical doctors in academia and at the pinnacle of our professional practice, could be considered unschooled. We find this quite unbecoming of a highly-placed individual like yourself, being a practicing lawyer and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria! This is a significant and unwarranted insult.”
The association listed its conditions for ending the strike, requiring a public correction and an apology from the pro-chancellor.
“The association demands the following before the strike can be called off: a rejoinder published in at least two national newspapers stating clearly that the Postgraduate Medical Fellowship will be accepted in place of the PhD for Professors in Clinical Medicine. We also ask that this be included in the official records of the Governing Council of the University for Future Reference.
Furthermore, we request a written and signed full and unconditional apology from you to the members of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria for the insult contained in your email reply to the association’s request for modification of the addendum published by the university,” the statement concluded.
