Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and Medical and Dental Specialist Association in Basic Medical Sciences (MEDSABAMS) have expressed concerns over the ongoing withdrawal of services by medical lecturers in South-West universities. The protest stems from the non-migration of medical lecturers to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
In a joint press statement issued in Jos, Plateau State, and signed by MDCAN President Prof. Mohammad Aminu and MEDSABAMS President Prof. AbdulGafar Jimoh, the associations criticized the lack of progress in implementing the CONMESS salary structure in universities across the South-West and Ilorin.
The associations revealed that clinical lecturers in tertiary institutions across the region withdrew their services on February 3, 2025, and will not resume until their salaries align with the CONMESS structure. This withdrawal contrasts with other regions where the payment has reportedly been implemented.
The statement called on the Federal Government, the Minister of Education, and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to urge Vice-Chancellors of the affected universities to resolve the issue promptly to prevent further disruption of the academic calendar.
According to the associations, the prolonged strike could delay the graduation of approximately 1,000 doctors, worsening Nigeria’s already strained doctor-patient ratio. They warned that the continued neglect could drive more medical professionals abroad, contributing to the “japa syndrome” and weakening the nation’s readiness for future pandemics.
“If this development is not addressed, it will lead to the loss of tested, trusted, and experienced medical lecturers to greener pastures,” the statement added.
MDCAN and MEDSABAMS also urged the Minister of Labour and Employment and the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission to expedite action in honoring the agreement reached with the Federal Government on November 22, 2024, which included the migration of all medical lecturers to the CONMESS salary structure.
The associations stressed that resolving the issue is crucial to maintaining academic stability, improving healthcare delivery, and retaining experienced medical personnel within the country.