Medical Association Celebrates Tinubu’s Decision to Sack UNIZIK VC
The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has expressed its approval of President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to remove Prof. Bernard Udoh as the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka. The MDCAN, which had been on strike since Monday, demanded the removal of the Vice-Chancellor following controversies surrounding his appointment. The union had alleged that the appointment violated established regulations, and the federal government’s intervention to dissolve the UNIZIK governing council and relieve the VC of his position was seen as a victory for the medical professionals.
MDCAN Continues Strike Despite Victory
Though the MDCAN celebrated the removal of the VC, it announced that its seven-day warning strike would continue until the National Executive Council (NEC) convenes on Friday. Prof. Muhammad Muhammad, the National President of MDCAN, emphasized that the next steps would depend on the outcomes of the upcoming NEC meeting. He noted that, while the sack of the VC was a step forward, other demands, such as the harmonization of consultants’ emoluments and retirement age, remained unresolved.
UNIZIK Controversy Sparks Nationwide Disruption
The ongoing strike has disrupted medical services in 83 health facilities and 64 medical schools across Nigeria. MDCAN’s protest began in response to the exclusion of medical lecturers from the selection process for UNIZIK’s Vice-Chancellor. The union’s demands also include the removal of the university’s governing council chairman for disregarding federal directives and appointing an unqualified candidate. Additionally, they are calling for the harmonization of medical pay structures and the settlement of arrears related to clinical duty allowances.
President Tinubu Acts on Allegations of Mismanagement
On Wednesday, President Tinubu took decisive action in response to reports of irregularities in UNIZIK’s management. According to a statement from his office, the dissolution of the university’s governing council and the removal of Prof. Udoh and Registrar Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike followed evidence of misconduct, including the illegal appointment of an unqualified VC. The Federal Government’s intervention was aimed at restoring order and upholding the university’s founding regulations.
Changes at Other Universities
In addition to the actions at UNIZIK, President Tinubu approved the removal of the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State. Ohieku Salami’s removal followed his controversial suspension of the university’s VC without due process, despite intervention by the Ministry of Education. The Presidency also revealed changes in the leadership of other federal universities, including the Federal University Oye-Ekiti and Federal University Lokoja.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to University Governance Reform
The Ministry of Education has expressed its commitment to ensuring proper governance in Nigeria’s public universities. In a related statement, the ministry emphasized that recent leadership changes are part of efforts to eliminate administrative malpractices. It also outlined plans for appointing new governing councils that comply with the law and promote national unity, ensuring that the operations of universities align with the educational goals set forth by the federal government.
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