By Peter Omopo
Uyo, June 29, 2025 — Medical lecturers at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), operating under the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), have embarked on an indefinite strike in protest over the process for selecting the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo.
The industrial action, which commenced at midnight on Thursday, June 26, 2025, follows resolutions reached during an Extraordinary General Meeting held between June 20 and 25.
In a statement issued to the press on Sunday, MDCAN UUTH confirmed the commencement of the strike, stressing that it was total and would initially disrupt all academic duties carried out by clinical lecturers affiliated with the university.
“The strike, which is total, will initially involve all activities of clinical lecturers with the University of Uyo,” the statement read. “These include classroom lectures, seminar presentations, teaching rounds, practicals, symposia, research supervision, and the conduct of tests and examinations.”
The dispute centres on the advertised criteria for the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor to succeed the incumbent, Professor Nyaudo Ndaeyo, whose tenure ends in December. The association alleges that the selection process excludes qualified medical academics, thereby breaching principles of fairness and inclusivity.
In a strongly worded letter dated June 25 and addressed to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), the lecturers registered their dissatisfaction with what they described as a dismissive stance taken by university authorities.
Banire’s alleged response, quoted in the MDCAN letter, further inflamed tensions. “If anybody feels it is ambiguous, let him go back to school. It is clear enough for our purpose and whoever is desirous should go and apply,” the pro-chancellor was reported to have said.
As the impasse continues, academic activities involving clinical students at the university are expected to be severely affected, prompting concerns over the potential impact on medical education and service delivery at UUTH.
Efforts to reach university management for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
