By Jude Michael
The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has reacted to allegations by members of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), that there is a deliberate plot to exclude their members from the ongoing race for the position of Vice Chancellor of the institution.
MDCAN had in a press statement alleged that an advert approved by the chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Amb Greg Mbadiwe, which listed PhD as compulsory requirement for anyone seeking for the position, was meant to bar them.
They argued that their medical fellowship was equivalent to a PhD in their field, and should be acceptable as requirement for the contest.
Subsequently, member of the organisation consisting of clinical lecturers of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, went on strike, crippling the institution.
But in a reply to their request, the Unizik Management in a press release signed by Dr Emma Ojukwu, Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Public Relations, called on members of MDCAN to approach Nigeria University Commission to ascertain if their medical fellowship was equivalent to a PhD.
The University also appealed to them to return to work as their strike action was crippling healthcare delivery.
Ojukwu in the release said: “On September 12, 2024, the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, headed by the Pro-Chancellor and the Chairman, Amb. Greg O. Mbadiwe, MFR, on behalf of the Governing Council, approved an advertisement for the position of Vice-Chancellor of the University. The advertisement clearly stated that an applicant must have a PhD in relevant field.
“The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has since raised the issue of being excluded. They argue that the advertisement should be withdrawn, and a new one published which will contain PhD or Medical Fellowship.
“The Governing Council of the University in its 131 regular meeting held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, considered the issue of PhD as a requirement for application for the position of the Vice Chancellor of Unizik and decided that MDCAN should send a delegation of its members to the National Universities Commission (NUC) to ascertain if medical fellowship is equivalent to PhD degree.
“The Council insists that if NUC writes to the Council to confirm the above, the medical fellowship will be considered as an equivalent to PhD for the purpose of appointment of the substantive Vice Chancellor.
“It is therefore surprising that efforts to resolve the matter by communicating the position of the Governing Council to MDCAN have yielded little efforts. Sundry allegations and sponsored write ups have surfaced online to portray the University’s 10th Governing Council headed by Amb. Greg. O. Mbadiwe, MFR, in bad light.
“The Council restates clearly that it would create a level playing ground for all staff of the University to aspire to any position, including the office of the Vice-Chancellor.
“The authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, assure all the staff of inclusion and urge MDCAN to toe the line of dialogue instead of withdrawal of service which is impacting negatively on our health sector.‘’
Ojukwu said the Governing Council had called on MDCAN to resume work in the interest of the students, promising to resolve the contending issue amicably.
