From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The University of Ilorin Branch of the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), has thrown its weight behind the national body’s decision to give the Federal Government, a fresh 21-day ultimatum to resolve outstanding issues affecting medical and dental academics across the country.
The branch took the position recently in Ilorin after reviewing developments surrounding the association’s demands and the resolutions of NAMDA’s Emergency National Executive Council meeting.
In a communiqué signed by the Branch Chairman, Prof. Mohammed Abdulkadir, and Secretary, Dr. Adebayo Oloko, the association said the ultimatum, which will expire on August 31, 2026, was necessary to compel the government to address what it described as long-standing challenges confronting medical and dental education, training, research and healthcare delivery.
The branch expressed concern over what it called the government’s slow pace and lack of urgency in concluding negotiations with NAMDA and implementing agreements already reached.
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It identified the delayed conclusion of negotiations and implementation of agreed resolutions among the key issues requiring urgent government attention.
NAMDA also raised concerns over what it described as the poor prioritisation of medical and dental education, training and research despite the country’s severe shortage of doctors and dentists.
The association warned that the continued migration of trained medical professionals and academics to other countries was worsening the situation, with serious implications for undergraduate and postgraduate medical training as well as healthcare delivery.
It further called for improved welfare and working conditions for medical and dental academics, stressing that better conditions were essential to retaining skilled personnel and sustaining the quality of medical education in Nigeria.
“Members have demonstrated considerable patience and restraint in the interest of maintaining stability within the university system and protecting the education of students,” the communiqué stated.
The branch acknowledged interventions by the Department of State Services and other stakeholders towards resolving the issues but insisted that such efforts must now produce “concrete, measurable and time-bound outcomes.”
It therefore urged the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to utilise the 21-day window to conclude negotiations and resolve all outstanding matters before the expiration of the ultimatum.
The association warned that failure to achieve meaningful progress within the period would leave it with no option but to take further action in accordance with directives from the national leadership.
“We call on students, parents, members of the public and other stakeholders to prevail upon the Government to urgently address these matters and avert avoidable disruption to medical education, research and healthcare services,” the branch said.
The Ilorin branch’s position adds to mounting pressure on the Federal Government to resolve the grievances of medical and dental academics before the August 31 deadline, in order to prevent a fresh disruption to training and healthcare services in the country.
