Patients Stranded As NMA Affiliates Begin Strike In Akwa Ibom

Affiliate bodies of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, have embarked on a strike following the failure of the authorities of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) to address various issues in dispute bothering on emoluments and welfare of the medical workers.

The aggrieved unions, LEADERSHIP Weekend learnt, included the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the Association of Specialists Medical and Dental Academics (ASMEDA).

They accused the management of UNIUYO of failure to migrate their members to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) as being implemented in other federal universities in the country.

Also joining the strike, which began after the expiration of a 21-day window earlier given to the management, is the Nigerian Association of Dental and Hospital University Staff (NADHUS).

Providing an update on the strike in Uyo, the state capital, the NMA public relations officer in the state, Dr Gabriel Eyo, said the action was in line with the resolution empowering the State Officers Committee (SOC) to declare a strike if the university failed to initiate negotiations within the stipulated period.

Dr Eyo stated that during the strike, there would be no examinations for students, no ward rounds and no lectures. He added that after two weeks, ASMEDA and NADHUS would proceed to withdraw clinical services, as directed by Congress.

“Following the failure of the vice chancellor of the University of Uyo to reach out to NMA-AKS as at the close of business on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the strike action earlier approved by Congress has officially commenced.

“This is in line with the resolution empowering the State Officers Committee to declare a strike if the university failed to initiate negotiations. All medical lecturers, MDCAN and ASMEDA members are to remain on strike,” the statement read.

The association’s image maker disclosed that an emergency meeting would be held this weekend to brief members on progress regarding negotiations. He called on members to stay united and resolute, affirming that the welfare of members remains a top priority for the State Officers Committee.

The umbrella body, NMA in the state, had during an emergency general meeting held on March 21, 2025, given the university management a 21-day ultimatum starting from April 2, 2025 to resolve all issues affecting the welfare of the affected members.

These issues, according to the communique signed by the state chairman of the association, Dr Aniekan Peter, included non-migration to CONMESS, protracted delay in the promotion of medical lecturers, three months’ salary arrears owed to medical lecturers and inadequate staffing of medical lecturers and officers at the university health centres.

The association resolved that if its demands were not implemented by the end of the 21 days, it would, without further notice, commence an indefinite strike to press home its demands.