Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has given the Federal Government three weeks to resolve outstanding issues in ongoing negotiations, warning that failure to reach an agreement by August 31 could trigger a three-day warning strike, Prime Business Africa reports.
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The association issued the ultimatum in a communiqué released to journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, following an Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting.
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The communiqué, signed by NAMDA President Nosa Orhue and Acting Secretary-General Aniekan Peter, said the three-week extension was intended to give the government additional time to resolve all outstanding issues.
The association said the extension would run until August 31, 2026, after which it would consider industrial action if no meaningful resolution had been reached.
“Failure to achieve meaningful resolution at the expiration of the period ending on the 31st of August 2026 shall result in the declaration of a three-day warning strike,” NAMDA said.
As part of its preparations, the association directed all branches nationwide to hold congresses and sensitisation programmes for members at least twice during the extension period.
Branches were also instructed to submit reports and evidence of the mobilisation exercises to the National Executive Council through the association’s secretariat, including their level of preparedness for possible strike action.
NAMDA expressed concern over what it described as the government’s reluctance to conclude negotiations, while commending the Department of State Services and other stakeholders for their interventions in the process.
It also thanked its members for their patience and cooperation in maintaining stability within the university system during the dispute.
The association raised broader concerns about the state of medical education and training, saying the sector was being neglected amid shortages of medical and dental doctors and increasing migration of healthcare professionals abroad.
NAMDA said the continued migration of medical professionals, commonly referred to as the “Japa” trend, was putting additional pressure on Nigeria’s capacity to train and retain the workforce required to sustain its healthcare system.
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The association reaffirmed its commitment to securing the full implementation of approved benefits for medical and dental lecturers and urged members to comply with directives and decisions reached at the E-NEC meeting.
The latest ultimatum comes amid a prolonged dispute over the conditions of service and benefits of medical and dental academics, who combine teaching and research responsibilities with clinical duties in universities and teaching hospitals.
Any industrial action could therefore have implications for both medical education and healthcare delivery, particularly in teaching hospitals where academic doctors provide specialist services and participate in the training of medical students and postgraduate doctors.
The August 31 deadline gives the government and NAMDA three weeks to conclude negotiations and avert a strike that could disrupt medical training and clinical services across affected institutions.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
