By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, MDCAN has frowned at the exclusion of its members from applying to fill the vacant position of the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK Awka Anambra State, saying the advertisement for the selection process is unjust and discriminatory.

The Association insisted the exclusion also undermines the critical role its members play in the academic and administrative leadership of the institution.

In a statement issued in Jos and jointly signed by the MDCAN President Professor Mohammad Aminu and Secretary Professor Daiyabu Ibrahim, the Association argued that Medical and Dental education is a vital part of the University’s mission to produce competent healthcare professionals, who contribute to the national and global health system, hence it is imperative that they should be given due representation in matters that concern the governance and future of the institution.

According to the statement, “The exclusion of our members who are distinguished scholars and administrators with vast experience in both academic and clinical fields, send a message that their contributions to the University’s growth and development are undervalued. Such a move could lead to a break down in academic collaboration, reduce morale, and ultimately affect the quality of Medical and Dental education at UNIZIK.”

The association also called on the Governing Council of UNIZIK as well as other relevant stakeholders to withdraw their earlier advertorial for the selection of the Vice Chancellor and ensure that all academic disciplines, particularly the Medical and Dental lecturers are well represented.

They stressed that MDCAN remains committed to supporting academic excellence and leadership in Nigerian Universities and urged for a swift resolution of the impass stressing that the association is monitoring the situation at UNIZIK and hoped that the situation will not be allowed to degenerate into a crisis.