The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has formally requested the withdrawal of a recent advertisement for the position of Vice-Chancellor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), citing concerns over discriminatory requirements that they believe exclude qualified candidates from the faculties of Medicine and Basic Clinical Sciences.
In a letter addressed to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, MDCAN expressed shock at the advertisement published in the Vanguard on September 12, which they claim included “injurious requirements” designed to disqualify clinical lecturers from applying. The association previously alerted the university administration to these concerns in a letter dated August 2, but reported that their warnings were ignored.
MDCAN’s emergency congress held on September 14 identified several contentious points in the advertisement, including the requirement for candidates to possess a first degree, Master’s degree, and a PhD, which they argue does not align with the academic pathways of clinical lecturers. The congress noted that many qualified members possess medical fellowships that should be recognized in lieu of a traditional PhD.
Additional grievances included the advertisement’s stipulation of a 15-year PhD requirement without acknowledgment of equivalent postgraduate medical qualifications and an unusual mention of a specific funding amount—₦400 million—as part of the application criteria.
The congress concluded with several resolutions, including:
“A rejection of the current advertisement and a demand for its withdrawal.
“A call for a revised advertisement that reflects the appropriate academic pathways for medical professionals.
“A warning that failure to comply within seven days would lead to an indefinite industrial action, potentially halting all academic functions in the university’s medical school.”
MDCAN leaders emphasized the need for immediate action to avert a crisis that could disrupt education at NAU and impact the future of its medical programs. The association urged the university’s administration to consider their proposals seriously, maintaining that the integrity of the academic environment must be preserved.
As tensions mount, the educational community and stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, awaiting a response from NAU’s governing body.
