Medical students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Anambra State are voicing their frustrations over significant disruptions to their academic schedules, examinations, and graduation timelines due to a strike initiated by the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) on September 24, 2024. The strike stems from the governing council’s decision to impose certain requirements that disqualify medical and dental lecturers from contesting for the position of UNIZIK’s vice-chancellor, which MDCAN claims contain discriminatory elements.
Students have urged both the university and MDCAN to prioritize their education and call for a prompt resolution to the strike. Many expressed concerns that their studies and upcoming examinations have been put on hold, hindering their ability to progress academically.
Emmanuel Ikefuna, President of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Medical Students Association, stated that the examinations for 500 and 600-level students have been stalled, preventing their advancement to graduation. “We are planning on staging a mega protest at the main campus in Awka because learning activities are being cut short. We had previously protested in Nnewi on October 3rd, but now we are planning a larger protest in Awka. When students go to the hospital to learn, they get chased away from the clinics and the ward,” Ikefuna said.
He emphasized the frustration faced by final-year students, who were poised to start their exams, which have now been delayed indefinitely. “Medical students have already faced prolonged schooling, and this latest strike adds to that burden. We have all spent extra months in school due to previous strikes, making it hard for us to stay on track with our peers in other faculties,” he lamented.
Another student, identified as Sarah, expressed similar feelings, stating, “We’ve invested so much time and effort preparing for our exams, and now everything is just on hold. It’s incredibly disheartening because our future is left hanging in the balance. We just want to return to our classes and continue our education without this uncertainty hanging over us.”
An anonymous final-year student echoed the sentiments, stating that the strike has disrupted their critical preparations for graduation. “This strike has thrown our entire future into limbo. We’ve spent years studying, and now our exams are postponed. It’s frustrating to see all our hard work on hold.”
In response, Dr. Victor Modekwe, Chairman of MDCAN at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, emphasized that the strike is aimed not only at ensuring fairness but also at safeguarding the quality of medical education. He stated, “If we reach a resolution with the council, we can resume classes. A terrible injustice is being done to the medical profession, and students will suffer as a result. If graduates lack qualified teachers, the future of medical education in Nigeria is at risk.”
Dr. Modekwe urged the government to intervene and compel the council to rectify the situation, stressing the importance of resolving the issues to protect the future of medical students and the integrity of medical training in the country.
