The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has dismissed reports suggesting that its members have joined an industrial strike.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the association clarified its position through a document jointly signed by its President, Dr. Nosa Lancy-Orhue; Secretary-General, Dr. Abdulrahman Shehu; and National Liaison Officer/Organising Secretary, Dr. Muhammad Askira.
NAMDA, which represents medical lecturers in universities, tertiary hospitals, and research institutions, reiterated that it remains an autonomous union focused on advancing the welfare of its members and promoting respect in labour relations.
“NAMDA is not on strike, and we will not be blackmailed, coaxed, or lured away from the interest of our members,” the statement read.
The clarification followed widespread inquiries from stakeholders, the media, and the public regarding the union’s stance amid the ongoing strike by another academic union in the university system.
According to the association, although its members have faced neglect over time, NAMDA remains committed to pursuing its legitimate demands in a way that protects the interests of its members.
NAMDA also confirmed ongoing talks with the Federal Government, facilitated by the Ministries of Labour and Education, which it described as productive. It noted that the Minister of Education, through a meeting arranged by the Minister of Labour and Employment, had pledged to address key issues concerning medical lecturers.
Among these issues are the full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Workers Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the withdrawal of the compulsory PhD requirement for lecturers who already hold postgraduate fellowships, particularly for promotion and eligibility for vice-chancellorship.
The association also called for the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the scheme of service outlined in memorandum CM(90)92 from its 11th meeting in 1990, based on recommendations by a committee chaired by the late Chief Justice Atanda Fatai Williams.
On the matter of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), NAMDA said the Minister of Education had apologised for a letter from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) that appeared to restrict the allowance to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The association alleged that some universities, in collaboration with another academic union, tried to exclude its members from EAA payments — citing the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, where the Governing Council had reportedly denied medical lecturers their entitlement.
NAMDA revealed that it has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate how two conflicting letters regarding the same issue originated from the AGF’s office.
Reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, the association said it would continue to engage the Federal Government through the committee coordinating negotiations with university unions.
“The conditions of service for medical and dental lecturers cannot be satisfactorily negotiated by anyone but medical academics under NAMDA,” the statement added.
NAMDA further urged the government to expedite the circularisation of CONMESS and direct the National Universities Commission (NUC) to reaffirm the withdrawal of the circular mandating a PhD for medical academics already holding fellowships.
It concluded by warning that any future industrial action by the union would strictly follow constitutional procedures, emphasising that such a move could significantly impact the education and health sectors.