The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has given the Federal Government an additional three weeks to conclude negotiations on its outstanding demands, warning that failure to reach an agreement could trigger a three-day warning strike.
The association issued the ultimatum in a communiqué released on Friday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, following an Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting.
The communiqué, signed by NAMDA President Nosa Orhue and Acting Secretary-General Aniekan Peter, extended the negotiation deadline to August 31, 2026.
According to the association, the extension is intended to give the government more time to resolve all outstanding issues.
NAMDA warned that failure to achieve a meaningful resolution by the August 31 deadline would lead to the declaration of a three-day warning strike, with the specific date to be announced by its National Officers’ Council.
The association also directed all its branches across the country to hold congresses and sensitisation programmes at least twice during the three-week extension period.
Branches are expected to submit reports and evidence of the mobilisation exercises to the National Executive Council through the association’s secretariat as part of preparations for possible industrial action.
NAMDA expressed concern over what it described as the government’s reluctance to conclude negotiations on the issues affecting medical and dental academics.
The association, however, acknowledged the interventions of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other stakeholders in efforts to facilitate discussions between the government and the academics.
It also commended its members for their patience and cooperation in maintaining stability within Nigeria’s university system despite the unresolved issues.
The association further raised concerns over what it described as the continued neglect of medical education and training in the country.
According to NAMDA, the situation is particularly worrying amid a growing shortage of medical and dental doctors and the increasing migration of healthcare professionals abroad, popularly known as the “Japa” syndrome.
The association reaffirmed its demand for the full implementation of all approved benefits for medical and dental lecturers.
It urged its members to comply with directives issued by the association and remain prepared for further decisions should negotiations with the government fail to produce a satisfactory outcome by the August 31 deadline.
