The medical school at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has been paralyzed for the past 12 days as clinical lecturers, members of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, withdraw their services in protest over the recent vice-chancellorship race. This vital branch of the university, responsible for educating and training undergraduate medical students in both theoretical and practical settings, is currently non-operational.

Dr. Sunday Oriji, Secretary of the Association, addressed the media in Nnewi, highlighting their concerns regarding an advertisement issued by the university that seemingly excluded medical professors from consideration for the vacant vice-chancellor position. Oriji stated that the ad listed qualifications that did not align with the academic backgrounds of clinical lecturers, thus sidelining them from the application process.

“The acting vice-chancellor is a seasoned lawyer, and we believe she will address this issue,” Oriji remarked. He emphasized that the association had formally notified the university of their actions before implementing the strike.

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According to Oriji, the advertisement stipulated that candidates for the vice-chancellor role must hold a first degree, a Master’s degree, and a PhD. He pointed out that this requirement does not correspond with the academic trajectory of clinical lecturers at UNIZIK and globally, claiming it deliberately excludes faculty members from the faculties of Medicine and Basic Clinical Sciences.

“This is a significant deviation from previous advertisements for the same position,” he noted. The lecturers have made it clear that they will continue their strike until the university administration takes corrective action. They have already communicated their grievances to Prof. Carol Arinze-Umeobi, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, in hopes of resolving this matter amicably.

The lecturers’ decision to strike followed a seven-day ultimatum, which has left the medical school in a state of turmoil for nearly two weeks. Their determination to advocate for fairness in leadership selection underscores the importance of inclusive representation in the university’s governance.