The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has expressed its approval of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Prof Bernard Udoh, and the university’s Registrar, Mrs Rosemary Nwokike.
This move follows a seven-day warning strike initiated by MDCAN, which began on Monday. The strike had grounded medical activities in 83 health facilities and 64 medical schools nationwide. MDCAN had been protesting the controversial appointment of Prof Udoh, who they argued was not qualified for the position.
MDCAN President, Prof Muhammad Muhammad, welcomed the development but stated that the association would not call off the strike until the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Friday. He expressed optimism about further resolutions during the meeting and emphasized that the strike would continue until all of their demands are addressed.
In addition to the sacking of Prof Udoh and Mrs Nwokike, President Tinubu also approved the removal of Ohieku Salami as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State. The government cited Salami’s unlawful actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following prescribed procedures, as the reason for his removal.
The Federal Ministry of Education issued a statement confirming the dissolution of the governing council at UNIZIK, noting that the appointment of Prof Udoh was made without due process, violating the university’s laws. The government also announced plans to appoint an acting Vice-Chancellor and form a new governing council.
Furthermore, Tinubu’s administration enacted a leadership reshuffle, swapping the pro-chancellors and chairmen of the governing councils at Federal Universities in Oye-Ekiti and Lokoja. This change is aimed at promoting national integration and impartial oversight in university governance.
The Federal Government emphasized the importance of following established procedures in university appointments and governance to maintain stability and uphold the law.
