Medical Education, Hospital Services at Risk as Lecturers Set August 31 Strike Deadline
Nigeria’s medical education and hospital services could face disruption as the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) gives the Federal Government until August 31, 2026, to resolve outstanding salary and allowance issues.
The association said prolonged delays in implementing previously agreed provisions, including the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and aspects of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, have widened pay disparities between medical academics and their counterparts in other healthcare institutions. It warned that the situation is worsening the migration of skilled doctors and dentists from Nigerian universities.
The lecturers also cautioned that any industrial action could have consequences beyond the university system, as medical academics combine teaching responsibilities with clinical duties such as emergency care and specialist procedures. The association said it had avoided a nationwide strike for more than six years because of the potential impact on healthcare delivery and the training of medical students.
Following an emergency National Executive Council meeting, the association extended its earlier ultimatum and directed its branches to begin mobilisation ahead of the August 31 deadline. It urged the Presidency and relevant government agencies to resolve the outstanding issues before then, warning that failure to reach an agreement could trigger a three-day nationwide warning strike.
