Clinical lecturers at the University of Ilorin, represented by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), have announced their intention to withdraw teaching services unless their salary concerns are addressed.
This announcement was made on Tuesday through a joint communiqué from MDCAN Chairman Prof. Olatunde Ibrahim and Secretary Dr. Nurudeen Abdulraheem.
The lecturers' grievance stems from the university's failure to approve the payment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), a compensation framework they argue is critical for their remuneration.
The MDCAN has set a three-week ultimatum, starting Monday, for the complete implementation of CONMESS for all clinical lecturers, as well as the payment of overdue arrears dating back to 2018.
“If our members are not compensated under CONMESS by the end of this ultimatum, we will withdraw from all clinical academic activities,” the statement read. This withdrawal would encompass classroom instruction, practical sessions, bedside teaching, examination oversight, accreditation processes, meetings, and any related university activities.
The Association noted that numerous discussions with the university's Vice-Chancellor had taken place, during which assurances were made regarding the inclusion of CONMESS in the May 2024 salary schedule. However, these commitments have yet to materialize due to a lack of management approval.
MDCAN highlighted that the University of Ilorin is the only federal university in Northern Nigeria that has not implemented CONMESS for its clinical lecturers. "Currently, all clinical lecturers at federally owned universities with medical schools are compensated under CONMESS, except for the University of Ilorin and certain institutions in the South-West," they stated.
The association pointed out that newly hired clinical lecturers at the University of Ilorin are appropriately placed on CONMESS, resulting in their salaries significantly exceeding those of their more experienced colleagues, including department heads. This discrepancy is attributed to their seniors being incorrectly classified under a different salary scale.
MDCAN further noted that clinical lecturers at federal universities in the South-East and South-South regions receive salaries aligned with CONMESS, while institutions in Northern Nigeria have been paying their clinical lecturers this structure for several years.
The clinical lecturers lamented the financial impact of this situation, estimating losses of between N300,000 to N350,000 monthly over an extended period, which they fear will adversely affect their pensions upon retirement.
In light of the university's failure to recognize the patience and dedication of the clinical lecturers, MDCAN is resolute in its stance. Nevertheless, the association expressed hope for a timely resolution. "We appreciate the efforts of the Vice-Chancellor and his management team to avert disruption of clinical academic activities. Our goal is the implementation of CONMESS for all clinical lecturers, not a strike," they affirmed.
Comments powered by CComment