Clinical lecturers in the South-West region of Nigeria, affiliated with the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), have reiterated their stance that they will not return to work unless they receive the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). The lecturers embarked on an indefinite strike in February 2025, following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued on February 2, due to the non-payment of CONMESS.
The strike has significantly impacted medical education in the region, affecting institutions such as the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital, and the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital. MDCAN has emphasized that the non-payment of CONMESS has led to a brain drain, as many clinical lecturers seek better opportunities elsewhere.
The Federal Government has intervened in the dispute, with the Ministry of Labour and Employment holding meetings with the Vice-Chancellors of affected universities to address the lecturers’ grievances. However, despite these efforts, the lecturers remain resolute in their demand for payment before resuming work. They have set a deadline of the end of April for the payment, warning that the strike will continue if their demands are not met.
The situation highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s medical education sector, including salary disparities and the need for equitable remuneration for clinical lecturers across different regions. The ongoing strike underscores the urgency of resolving these issues to prevent further disruptions in medical training and healthcare delivery in the South-West region.
