Indefinite Strike: Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Calls for Withdrawal Of Controversial Vice-Chancellor Place Advert

The UMAA mentioned that it had recognized important authorized and procedural discrepancies within the commercial that warranted instant consideration and motion.

The Medics Alumni Affiliation (UMAA), of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State, has demanded instant withdrawal and assessment of the Vice Chancellor place commercial printed by the governing council of the college.

On Monday it was reported that the commercial has led to an ongoing indefinite strike embarked upon by the scientific lecturers of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Educating Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi.

The UMAA mentioned that it had recognized important authorized and procedural discrepancies within the commercial that warranted instant consideration and motion.

The Affiliation made the demand in an announcement signed by its executives together with the Nationwide President, Prof. Evaristus Afiadigwe; the Nationwide Secretary, Dr. Richard O. Egeonu; Dr. Chinenye Ekpeh, representing Worldwide Alumni for UNIZIK Medics Alumni Affiliation Worldwide, and Prof Chukwudi Okani, Chairman, Tech Committee on the NAU VC Advert.

SaharaReporters had reported that medical college students of NAUTH, notably these in remaining 12 months, won’t have the ability to graduate this 12 months following a sustained indefinite strike embarked upon by the scientific lecturers of the establishment.

Sources from NAUTH advised SaharaReporters on Monday that the indefinite strike began on September 25, 2024, following the Vice Chancellorship tussle between medical and scientific lecturers on the establishment and the college’s governing council.

One of many sources mentioned that the governing council included a requirement that disqualified them from contesting for the UNIZIK’s Vice-Chancellor place.

In keeping with the supply, one of many 11 necessities listed by the governing council within the advert printed on September 12, the place the announcement for the emptiness for the workplace of the establishment’s Vice Chancellor, is that contestants should “have obtained a PhD no less than 15 years previous to this commercial and have supervised postgraduate college students to completion.”

The scientific lecturers who aren’t snug with the requirement which they mentioned was deliberately focused at disqualifying them from contesting for the Vice-Chancellor place protested towards the requirement however mentioned the college administration did not attend to their grievance.

Following the disagreement, the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Affiliation of Nigeria (MDCAN) in a letter dated September 17, 2025, and addressed to the Professional-chancellor/Chairman of Governing Council of the college, requested for withdrawal of the advert.

Reacting to the controversy, the Medics Alumni Affiliation mentioned that it noticed authorized violations within the commercial, saying, “The commercial contravenes a number of provisions of the NAU Act 1992 and its subsequent amendments, particularly concerning the correct process for promoting the Vice-Chancellor place.

“Notably, the Council is remitted to specify the qualities of candidates however as a substitute has erroneously centered on minimal abilities and private achievements, which aren’t supported by legislation.”

The UMAA additional acknowledged that it noticed discriminatory necessities within the commercial, noting, “The stipulation of possessing a PhD, together with necessary private achievements, raises issues concerning the exclusionary nature of the necessities, notably in direction of scientific lecturers whose pathways differ.”

In keeping with the Affiliation, “This method dangers disenfranchising certified candidates and undermines the variety of management inside the college.”

Different anomalies the Affiliation famous embrace extreme pre-Situations the place it mentioned, “The commercial introduces undue preconditions, resembling the need for candidates to have secured particular analysis funding, which is unprecedented and seems to skew the choice course of towards a slim discipline of candidates.

“Lack of Statutory Authority: The Council’s actions in modifying the necessities with out the required approvals contravene established statutes, resulting in a name for a legally compliant commercial that aligns with NAU’s governing statutes.

“Stakeholder Considerations: The dissatisfaction expressed by the scientific school, together with the Medical and Dental Consultants Affiliation of Nigeria (MDCAN), displays broader discontent that will affect the college’s operations.”

The UMAA subsequently pressured that the continued strike was avoidable and constitutes a major morale difficulty amongst school members, necessitating immediate rectification to keep away from additional disruption.

The UMAA subsequently referred to as for: “The instant withdrawal of the present commercial.

“The discharge of a brand new commercial that precisely displays the qualities required for the Vice-Chancellor place, devoid of non-statutory conditions.

“A assessment of the Council’s authority in setting candidate necessities, emphasising equity and inclusivity.

“Assurance that any future ads or statutes developed won’t exclude certified medical professionals or impose unjust limitations.”

It famous that it advocated for a clear and equitable choice course of, emphasising that the main target ought to stay on the meritocratic analysis of candidates primarily based on their {qualifications} and expertise.