NIGERIA- Medical and dental lecturers at the University of Lagos have commenced an indefinite industrial action over unresolved issues linked to salary structure implementation and welfare concerns.
The strike, led by the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) at UNILAG, is expected to affect lectures, clinical training, laboratory sessions, seminars, ward rounds and research supervision within the university’s College of Medicine.
Union leaders said the action followed unsuccessful negotiations with the university management over the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical academics.
According to the association, lecturers are demanding proper placement of medical and dental academics on the approved salary scale as well as payment of outstanding arrears dating back to July 2024.
Speaking during a briefing in Lagos, NAMDA-UNILAG President, Prof. Ugboro Omotayo, said the union had exhausted dialogue before resorting to the strike action.
“This strike is not about seeking higher pay but about equity, justice and adherence to government policy,” he stated.
The lecturers also called for payment of Clinical Academic Teaching Allowance and the introduction of professorial allowances for eligible academics.
The dispute has raised concerns about possible disruptions to medical education and clinical training at the institution, especially for students in the College of Medicine.
Meanwhile, the Lagos Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities also criticised delays in implementing parts of the 2025 agreement reached with the Federal Government. The union cited unpaid allowances, promotion arrears and welfare-related obligations affecting lecturers across several universities.
As of the time of filing this report, the University of Lagos management had not officially responded to the strike action.
