Clinical lecturers at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Osun State, have announced plans to embark on an industrial action over the non-payment of salaries. The strike, led by the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), is set to begin on February 3, 2025.
According to a statement issued by MDCAN Chairman, Dr. Olufemi Ogundipe, and General Secretary, Dr. Tajudin Adetunji, the decision follows a 21-day ultimatum given to vice chancellors of universities in the Southwest zone. The association is demanding that clinical lecturers be placed on the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS), similar to what is obtained in other medical colleges across Nigeria.
The strike will halt all academic activities at the College of Health Sciences, OAU, affecting medical students and hospital operations. The lecturers insist that the ongoing salary disparity must be addressed to ensure fairness and maintain quality medical education in the institution.
The MDCAN leadership emphasized that repeated appeals and negotiations had failed to resolve the issue, leaving them with no choice but to take decisive action. They warned that unless their demands are met, the strike will continue indefinitely, potentially disrupting medical training and healthcare services at OAUTH.
This development raises concerns about the impact on patient care and medical students’ education, as OAUTH remains one of Nigeria’s leading teaching hospitals. Stakeholders, including the federal government and university management, are expected to intervene to prevent a prolonged crisis.
