MDCAN Condemns Exclusion of Medical and Dental Lecturers from UNIZIK VC Selection Process

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has strongly criticized the exclusion of medical and dental lecturers from the selection process for the Vice-Chancellor position at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State. The association condemned the criteria outlined in a recent advertisement for the post, which effectively leaves out qualified professionals from these disciplines.

In a statement released by MDCAN’s President, Prof. Mohammad Aminu, the association described the exclusion as unjust, arguing that it undermines the significant contributions medical and dental lecturers make to both the academic and administrative spheres of the university.

Prof. Aminu emphasized the importance of medical and dental education to UNIZIK’s mission of producing competent healthcare professionals, vital to national and global health systems. He noted that many of the excluded lecturers are distinguished academics and administrators with substantial experience in both academic and clinical settings.

“The exclusion of Medical and Dental Lecturers sends a message that their contributions to the university’s development are undervalued. This could harm academic collaboration, reduce morale, and ultimately impact the quality of education in these critical fields,” Aminu said.

MDCAN urged the university’s Governing Council to retract the current advert for the Vice-Chancellor position and ensure that future selection processes are inclusive of all academic disciplines, particularly medical and dental faculties. According to the association, this move is essential to maintaining UNIZIK’s status as a center of excellence in medical and dental education.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting academic leadership in Nigerian universities and called for a swift resolution to the issue to prevent further escalation. “We are monitoring the situation closely and fully support the actions of our members at UNIZIK. We hope the matter will not escalate into a national issue,” Aminu added.