MDCAN: Striking top doctors laud Tinubu as he sacks UNIZIK VC

The striking doctors under the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), has lauded President Bola Tinubu for sacking Professor Bernard Udoh and Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike from their positions as Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.

According to the association, the strike, which began on Monday in protest of Udoh’s appointment, will persist until the National Executive Council meets this Friday.

The National President of MDCAN, Prof Muhammad Muhammad, stated that the decisions reached at the upcoming NEC meeting on Friday will inform MDCAN’s subsequent steps.

He said, “we are delighted that one of our key demands has been fulfilled, which is truly commendable.”

“Yesterday, we met with Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, who urged us to consider the public’s interests and promised to discuss our demands with the Ministries of Health and Education next week.”

“Following today’s meeting with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the National Executive Council (NEC) will convene on Friday to determine subsequent actions.”

Earlier development

MDCAN embarked on a seven-day warning strike nationwide to press for its demands, notably the sacking of the UNIZIK VC and other key grievances.

The strike, which began on Monday, has brought medical activities to a standstill in 83 health facilities and 64 medical schools across the country.

The association previously expressed discontent regarding the omission of medical lecturers from consideration for the position of VC at UNIZIK.

MDCAN demanded the Federal Government’s intervention in removing the Chairman of Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s Governing Council due to insubordination and non-compliance with the Ministry of Education’s directives.

In addition, the association demands the harmonization of retirement age for Medical Consultants to 70 years, standardized payment of emoluments under CONMESS for all Medical and Dental officers, and settlement of outstanding allowances and arrears for 2023 and 2024.

Tinubu dissolved the Governing Council of UNIZIK and removed Prof. Odoh as VC and Nwokike as registrar, citing illegal appointment procedures.

He also approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, titled: “President Tinubu sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council, VC and Registrar”, read “President Bola Tinubu dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and removed key officials, including Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as Vice Chancellor and Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike as Registrar, due to reports of illegal appointment procedures and non-compliance with established regulations.”

Similarly, Tinubu approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State, due to unprofessional conduct and violations of established procedures.

The Presidency stated that Salami’s removal was due to his unlawful actions, specifically suspending the VC without adhering to established procedures.

“Despite the Federal Ministry of Education’s call for the unlawful suspension to be lifted, Salami ignored the order.”

“Instead of complying, Salami exhibited abusive and threatening behavior towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.”

Know about MDCAN

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) is a professional organization representing medical and dental consultants in Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

Mission of MDCAN

The organization aims to promote excellence in medical and dental practice, training, and research, while advocating for better healthcare delivery and welfare for members.

Objectives of MDCAN

MDCAN objectives include improving healthcare services and patient care, enhancing professional development and continuing education, fostering collaboration among medical and dental professionals, advocating for healthcare policy reforms, and protecting members’ rights and interests.

Activities

The association participates in conferences and workshops, training programs, advocacy and policy engagement, collaborations with healthcare stakeholders, and publication of journals and newsletters.

Membership Benefits

Its members enjoy professional networking, continuing education opportunities, advocacy and support, access to journals and publications, and discounts on conference registrations.

Challenges

MDCAN faces brain drain and workforce shortages, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, funding constraints, regulatory challenges, and public-private sector disparities.

Recent News

MDCAN has been actively involved in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, including advocating for improved healthcare funding, supporting COVID-19 response efforts, addressing medical brain drain, and enhancing public-private sector collaboration.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook