UNIZIK VC tussle: Medical, dental doctors raise alarm over exclusion

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has raised alarm over the exclusion of Medical and Dental lecturers in the recent advertorial for the selection process for the vacant office of the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, Anambra State.

It also warned that the exclusion is not only unjust but undermines the critical role they played in the academic and administrative leadership of the institution.

MDCAN in a press statement made available to journalists in Jos, the Plateau State Capital, jointly signed by the its President, Prof Mohammad Aminu and the Secretary, Prof. Daiyabu Ibrahim, argued that Medical and Dental education is a vital part of the University’s mission to produce competent healthcare professionals, who contribute to National and Global health system.

According to the duo, it is imperative that they should be given due representation in matters that concern the governance and future of the institution.

They also pointed out that the exclusion of their members who are distinguished scholars and administrators with vast experience in both academic and clinical fields, sends a message that their contributions to the University’s growth and development are undervalued.

“Such a move could lead to a breakdown in academic collaboration, reduce morale among its members and ultimately affect the quality of Medical and Dental education at UNIZIK,” they stated.

The association also called on the Governing Council of UNIZIK, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to withdraw their earlier advertorial for the selection of the Vice Chancellor and ensure that all academic disciplines, particularly the Medical and Dental lecturers were well represented.

MDCAN further explained that the call was in the best interest of maintaining the University’s status as a centre of excellence in Medical and Dental education and ensuring a balanced and all inclusive leadership selection process.

They further opined that MDCAN remained committed to supporting academic excellence and leadership in Nigerian Universities and urged for a swift resolution of the impasse.