The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has declared it is not a member of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and could not be forced into joining the ongoing strike, being an independent body focused on protecting the interests of medical lecturers
The group dismissed reports suggesting that its members have joined the ongoing ASUU strike, stating that it “will not be blackmailed, coaxed, or lured away from the interest of its members.”
NAMDA said it remains an independent union capable of negotiating its interests without being coerced by other academic bodies.
NAMDA, the trade union for medical lecturers in universities, tertiary health institutions and research institutions, stated that it is responsible for undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, including the training of postgraduate doctors and dentists across Nigeria.
The union affirmed that it reserves the right to apply legitimate means, including legal actions, to pursue its demands.
“A withdrawal of services directed by the relevant organ of our union will only rely on relevant sections of our constitution,” it emphasised, warning that such an action, if necessary, would have significant impacts on the critical sectors of education and health.
In a statement on Wednesday jointly signed by its President, Dr. Nosa Lancy Orhue; Secretary-General, Dr. Abdulrahman Shehu; and National Liaison Officer/Organising Secretary, Dr. Muhammad Askira, the association stressed that it would not allow itself to be blackmailed, coaxed or lured away from the interests of its members.
“NAMDA is an independent union that has the capacity to negotiate its interests and support mutual respect. We are not on strike, and we will not be blackmailed against, coaxed against, or lured away from the interest of its members,” the group stated.
It explained that despite an earlier clarification, it continues to receive calls from members, journalists, and the public seeking clarity on its position in relation to ASUU’s withdrawal of services.
The statement added that NAMDA members had long been abandoned by the system, but the union would continue to support only legitimate demands that do not negatively affect the critical interests of its members.
“NAMDA is aware of the various engagements between the Federal Government and other unions in recent times, and with the exclusion of some other unions, including NAMDA in the university system.
“Curiously, it appears these engagements did not resolve the impasse significantly. NAMDA has presented its demands to the Federal Government through the Ministries of Labour and Education,” it said.
According to the group, its leadership had met with the Minister of Education in a session facilitated by the Minister of Labour and Employment, and the outcome was described as “very encouraging.”
“The Minister promised to quickly and conclusively resolve some of the most challenging issues for medical lecturers in the university system.
This demand includes the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Workers Salary Structure (CONMESS),” the statement reads.
NAMDA also listed other key issues under discussion with the Federal Government, “Among the demands is also the withdrawal of the obnoxious compulsory requirement of a PhD by medical lecturers, with fellowship for academic career promotion and eligibility to vie for the position of Vice Chancellor,” the union said.
It further called for the approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the scheme of service contained in the memorandum CM(90)92 from its 11th meeting in 1990, which was based on the recommendations of the committee led by the late Chief Justice of Nigeria, Chief Atanda Fatai Williams.
NAMDA also drew attention to the controversy surrounding the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), alleging that an error from the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) created the impression that the benefits were meant solely for ASUU members.
“The Minister had apologised for the error in the letter directing its disbursement. Some university managements attempted to exclude NAMDA members, which was actively supported by one of the sister unions,” it stated.
According to the association, the Governing Council of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, even responded to NAMDA’s branch claiming that medical lecturers were not entitled to EAA.
The association said it had since asked the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate how two conflicting letters on the same matter emanated from the AGF’s office.
NAMDA said it hopes to further engage the Federal Government through the committee set up to negotiate with university-based unions to push forward its long-neglected demands.
