Clinical lecturers at the College of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) in Awka have embarked on an indefinite strike, demanding fair inclusion in the vice-chancellor selection process. The protest was officially announced on Wednesday through a statement by Victor Modekwe, chairperson, and Sunday Oriji, secretary of the NAU chapter of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria.

The association emphasizes that medical and clinical lecturers from the faculties of Medicine, Basic Clinical Sciences, and Basic Medical Sciences will cease all academic activities until their grievances are addressed.

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The crux of the issue lies in a recent advertisement for the vice-chancellorship, which stipulates that candidates must possess a first degree, master’s, and PhD. According to the association, these requirements fail to recognize the academic paths of clinical lecturers, who typically earn fellowships rather than traditional postgraduate degrees.

In light of this, the association is calling for the retraction of what they deem an “obnoxious” advertisement. The strike will persist until their demands are met, raising significant concerns about the future of academic operations at the university and the broader implications for faculty representation in leadership roles.