The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has extended its 21-day warning strike ultimatum to the Federal Government by three weeks to allow more time for negotiations and a possible resolution of outstanding issues.
The association said the extension is intended to create room for further discussions and a favourable compromise between the government and medical and dental academics.
The decision was contained in a communique issued after NAMDA’s Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, The News Edition reports.
The communique was endorsed by NAMDA President, Dr Nosa Lancy Orhue, and the Acting Secretary-General, Prof. Aniekan Peter.
NAMDA Sets August 31 Deadline
NAMDA urged the Federal Government to use the additional three-week window to resolve all outstanding issues before the new deadline.
The association warned that failure to reach a meaningful agreement by August 31, 2026, would lead to the declaration of a three-day warning strike.
According to the communique, the extension was approved to give both parties more time to consider the issues under negotiation.
It stated that the government must use the period to resolve the outstanding matters, adding that failure to do so would trigger a three-day warning strike to be announced by the association’s National Officers’ Council.
Doctors Begin Mobilisation for Possible Strike
NAMDA also directed its branches nationwide to engage members through congress meetings and sensitisation programmes at least twice during the three-week extension period.
The branches were asked to submit reports and evidence of their mobilisation activities to the National Executive Council through the association’s secretariat.
The reports are expected to indicate members’ level of preparedness and mobilisation for possible industrial action.
NAMDA Raises Concerns Over Medical Education
The association criticised what it described as the Federal Government’s reluctance to conclude negotiations with NAMDA.
However, it commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and other stakeholders for their interventions in the negotiations, while also appreciating its members for their patience and cooperation in maintaining stability within the university system.
NAMDA further expressed concern over what it described as the inadequate prioritisation of medical education and training amid the shortage of medical and dental doctors in Nigeria and the ongoing “Japa” trend, which has seen many professionals leave the country for opportunities abroad.
The association reaffirmed its demand for the full implementation of all approved benefits for medical and dental lecturers.
NAMDA also directed its members to comply with all decisions and directives reached at the Emergency National Executive Council meeting.