Due to the nonpayment of their Consolidated Medical Salary Structure scale, clinical lecturers at the University of Lagos’ College of Medicine have announced plans to go on indefinite strike.
The strike was in accordance with a 21-day ultimatum given to the vice-chancellors of universities in the Southwest zone regarding the placement of clinical lecturers on CONMESS, as obtained in medical colleges in Nigerian universities, according to the lecturers who were part of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association.
As instructed by the association’s Southwest Zone, the members will start industrial action on Monday, February 3, according to a statement jointly signed by Dr. Kehinde Okunade, the chairman of the MDCAN-LUTH Chapter, and his secretary, Dr. Olukayode Akinmola.
They declared that all clinical lecturers will no longer be involved in academic activities at the university’s College of Health Sciences.
The lecturers will no longer participate in any academic activities, such as lectures, tutorials, clinical rotations for students, in-course assessments, exams, and meetings, the association leaders further stated.
The MDCAN-LUTH emphasized that, after informing the university administration of the Southwest zone’s 21-day ultimatum on January 14, 2025, nothing had been done.
In order to avoid more disruptions to academic activity, the group urged the university administration to resolve the problem of unpaid pay.
The statement reads, in part, “Sequel to our letter dated 14th January 2025, notifying your good office of the MDCAN Southwest zone’s 21-day ultimatum on the unduly prolonged and unjust non-payment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) scale to Clinical Lecturers (Medical/Dental Specialists) in universities across the Southwest zone of Nigeria, including the University of Lagos, the Clinical Lecturers in the College of Medicine.”
“The University of Lagos, as members of the MDCAN-LUTH Chapter, has been directed to go on a fully indefinite strike action beginning at midnight (24.00 hours) on Monday, February 3, 2025.
“The University of Lagos, who are members of the MDCAN-LUTH Chapter, have been told to embark on a total indefinite strike beginning at midnight (24.00 hours) on Monday, February 3, 2025.”
“During this period, MDCAN members who are Clinical Lecturers will suspend their participation in all academic activities, including but not limited to lectures, tutorials, students’ clinical rotations, in-course assessments, examinations, and meetings in the University.”
For months, MDCAN has demanded that the payment of CONMESS emoluments be harmonised in order to ensure that CONMESS is applicable to all Medical and Dental officials.
The group also demanded payment for 2023 and 2024 Clinical Duty Allowance areas, as well as 2023 25%/35% CONMESS arrears.