Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State branch, has given the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) 21 days to address the welfare concerns of its medical lecturers.
In a communiqué released after an emergency meeting on March 31, 2025, the association warned that failure to meet their demands would result in an indefinite strike.
Presenting the communiqué to journalists, NMA Chairman, Dr. Aniekan Peter, expressed frustration over the university’s delay in migrating some medical lecturers to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), despite approval from the UNIUYO Governing Council.
The association highlighted key issues, including a prolonged delay in promotions, leading to financial losses, and the mass exodus of doctors amid economic hardship.
Additionally, it noted a severe shortage of medical lecturers and medical officers at the university’s health center, which has caused excessive workload and stress for existing staff.
To address these concerns, the NMA demanded the immediate migration of all medical lecturers to CONMESS with arrears, prompt promotion and payment of promotion arrears, and the settlement of outstanding three-and-a-half-month salaries.
“The leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State branch, is willing and ready to meet with the university management at any convenient time within the 21-day window starting from April 2, 2025,” the communiqué stated.
The association emphasized its commitment to a cordial working relationship but maintained that an indefinite strike would follow if the university failed to act within the stipulated timeframe.
