Indefinite Strike at Nnamdi Azikiwe University: Alumni Demand Withdrawal of Vice-Chancellor Position Advertisement

In a developing crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, the University Medics Alumni Association (UMAA) has called for the immediate withdrawal of a controversial advertisement for the position of Vice-Chancellor. The ad, published by the university’s governing council, has sparked an indefinite strike by clinical lecturers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, disrupting operations and jeopardizing the graduation of final-year medical students.

According to UMAA, the advertisement contains several legal and procedural flaws that violate the institution’s statutes. The alumni group, represented by key figures including National President Prof. Evaristus Afiadigwe and International Alumni Chair Dr. Chinenye Ekpeh, criticized the requirements listed for the Vice-Chancellor role, claiming they unfairly exclude clinical lecturers.

The contentious ad, released on September 12, 2024, stipulates that applicants must hold a PhD for at least 15 years and have supervised postgraduate students to completion. Clinical lecturers argue that these requirements are tailored to disqualify them, prompting protests that have so far been ignored by the university’s leadership.

On September 25, clinical lecturers initiated an indefinite strike in response, with the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) formally requesting the ad’s withdrawal. UMAA echoed these demands, pointing to what they described as legal violations and discriminatory practices in the advertisement.

The alumni group outlined specific concerns, including the ad’s focus on personal achievements and research funding, which they say skews the selection process in favor of a limited pool of candidates. UMAA emphasized that these criteria contradict the NAU Act of 1992 and its amendments, which require more inclusive and equitable candidate qualifications.

The strike, which has now dragged on for two weeks, threatens the academic progress of final-year medical students at NAUTH. UMAA insists that the strike was avoidable and calls for immediate action to address the discontent within the faculty. They have called for a transparent and merit-based selection process for the Vice-Chancellor role, warning that further delays could destabilize the university’s operations.

The alumni association is urging the university to issue a revised advertisement that aligns with statutory requirements, fosters inclusivity, and ensures that all qualified professionals, including clinical lecturers, are given fair consideration for the Vice-Chancellor position.