By Ola Taiwo
The University of Ilorin Branch of the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has expressed its support for the fresh 21-day ultimatum given the Federal Government, by the national leadership of the association on the demands of the association.
The branch took the position at a congress held in Ilorin to review developments surrounding the demands of the NAMDA and resolutions reached at the association’s emergency National Executive Council meeting.
The branch, in a communique issued after its meeting expressed concern over the alleged government’s slow pace and lack of urgency in concluding negotiations and implementing previously agreed resolutions.
The University of Ilorin NAMDA, in the communique signed by its chairman, Prof. Mohammed Abdulkadir, and Secretary, Dr. Adebayo Oloko,
warned that failure to resolve outstanding issues by August 31 could trigger further action.
The branch said the ultimatum was necessary to compel the government to address long-standing issues affecting medical and dental academics in universities, tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals.
It noted that the concerns of the association include delays in concluding negotiations with NAMDA and implementing agreements already reached poor prioritisation of medical and dental education, training and research amid the country’s shortage of doctors and dentists.
The branch further noted that the association also raised concerns over the continued migration of trained medical professionals and academics to other countries, and warned that the trend was undermining undergraduate and postgraduate training as well as healthcare delivery.
It called for improved welfare and working conditions for medical and dental academics to help retain skilled personnel and sustain the quality of medical education in Nigeria.
While acknowledging interventions by the Department of State Services and other stakeholders, the branch said such efforts must now produce “concrete, measurable and time-bound outcomes.”
It urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to use the 21-day window to conclude negotiations and resolve all outstanding matters before the deadline.
The branch warned that failure to achieve meaningful progress by August 31 would leave NAMDA with no option but to act in accordance with directives from its national leadership.
“We call on students, parents, members of the public and other stakeholders to prevail upon the Government to urgently address these matters and avert avoidable disruption to medical education, research and healthcare services,” it advised.
