LAUTECH doctors embark on indefinite strike

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), LAUTECH Teaching Hospital branch, has commenced an indefinite strike over the failure of the university management to implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

The decision was announced in a joint statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan by the branch Chairman, Dr. Ruth Ilori, and Secretary, Dr. Abraham Akinbola.

The union stated that the strike followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the university authorities, during which no tangible steps were taken to address their demands.

MDCAN had been demanding the immediate implementation of CONMESS and the full payment of salary arrears dating back to January 2025.

Despite several appeals, the university management failed to act, the consultants said. They recalled suspending an earlier strike in good faith, following verbal assurances from the Vice-Chancellor — promises that were never fulfilled.

MDCAN noted that LAUTECH remains the only university in the South-West yet to adopt the CONMESS structure, describing this as both discriminatory and detrimental to staff morale and institutional performance.

The association emphasized that the ongoing strike, while regrettable, was necessary to protect the welfare of its members and uphold the quality of medical education at the institution.

“All academic and clinical duties provided by our members have been completely withdrawn,” the statement said, adding that the strike would continue until all demands are fully met.

While acknowledging the adverse effects on students, the association maintained that its members’ welfare could no longer be neglected.

“This action is a painful but unavoidable step,” the statement concluded, urging the university authorities to act swiftly to resolve the issue.