Affiliate bodies of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Akwa Ibom State chapter—including the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, MDCAN and the Association of Specialists Medical and Dental Academics, ASMEDA, have commenced a two week strike following alleged failure of the management of the University of Uyo to migrate their members to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS.
Also joining the strike, which began on Wednesday after the expiration of a 21-day window, earlier given to the management, is the Nigerian Association of Dental and Hospital University Staff, NADHUS.
In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of NMA in the state, Dr Gabriel Eyo, on Thursday, he said the action is in line with the resolution empowering the State Officers Committee, SOC, to declare a strike if the University fails to initiate negotiations within the stipulated period.
Dr Eyo stated that during the strike, there would be no examinations for students, no ward rounds, and no lectures. He added that after the two weeks, ASMEDA and NADHUS would proceed to withdraw clinical services, as directed by Congress.
The statement in parts, “Following the failure of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo to reach out to NMA-AKS as at the close of business on Wednesday, 23rd April 2025, the strike action earlier approved by Congress has officially commenced.
“This is in line with the resolution empowering the State Officers Committee to declare a strike if the University failed to initiate negotiations. All medical lecturers, MDCAN, and ASMEDA members are to remain on strike. During this period, there shall be no lectures, no ward rounds, and no examinations by members for students.
“After two weeks, MDCAN, ASMEDA, and NADHUS shall proceed to withdraw clinical services, as directed by Congress.”
Eyo hinted that an emergency meeting would be held this weekend to brief members on progress regarding negotiations. He called on members to stay united and resolute, affirming that the welfare of members remains a top priority for the State Officers Committee.
The umbrella body, NMA in the state, had during an emergency general meeting held on 21st March 2025, given the University management a 21-day ultimatum starting from 2nd April 2025 to resolve all issues affecting the welfare of the affected members.
These issues, according to the communique signed by the State Chairman of the Association, Dr Aniekan Peter, include non-migration to CONMESS, protracted delay in the promotion of medical lecturers, three months’ salary arrears owed to medical lecturers, and inadequate staffing of medical lecturers and officers at the University health centres.
The association resolved that if its demands were not implemented by the end of the 21 days, it would, without further notice, commence an indefinite strike to press home its demands.
