Clinical lecturers at the University of Calabar, operating under the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) have embarked on an indefinite strike to demand a more inclusive advertisement for the institution’s Vice Chancellor position.
The lecturers are protesting what they describe as their deliberate exclusion from the ongoing selection process, citing the university governing council’s refusal to amend a job advert they claim discriminates against clinical faculty.
A memo dated 13 June 2025, and addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Florence Obi, was titled ‘Notification of withdrawal of services’.
Signed by the MDCAN Chairman, Dr. Patience Odusolu, and the Secretary, Dr. Ehiosun Aigbomian, the memo highlights the association’s frustration over the lack of response to their concerns despite multiple engagements with the VC, Pro-Chancellor, and Governing Council.
The memo noted that the clinical lecturers’ view of the resounding inaction and sustenance of the unjust advertorial as a breach of their fundamental rights to equitably aspire for the post of Vice Chancellor of the institution.
The memo partly read, ‘Whereas the advertorial was on the 27th of May, 2025, and is for a period of six weeks; hence our members have suffered disenfranchisement for up to three weeks already.
‘In view of the prevailing circumstances and non-response from the Governing Council of the University of Calabar to our earlier legitimate demand of an inclusive advertorial for the position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, the Clinical lecturers of the University of Calabar hereby notify the University Management of the immediate commencement of a total and indefinite withdrawal of our services and activities from the University of Calabar until our demands for the withdrawal of the discriminatory advert and re-publication of an inclusive advertorial.
‘We also demand the immediate suspension of the selection process for the post of Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, until the inclusive advertorial is published, including an extension of the timeline for the submission of applications to accommodate all interested candidates.
While we expect your urgent action, please be assured of our esteemed regards’
The association insists that unless the current advert is withdrawn and reissued with more inclusive criteria, it will continue the total withdrawal of its services.
