The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has declared it is not a member of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and could not be forced into joining the ongoing strike, being an independent body focused on protecting the interests of medical lecturers
The group dismissed reports suggesting that its members have joined the ongoing ASUU strike, stating that it “will not be blackmailed, coaxed, or lured away from the interest of its members.”
NAMDA said it remains an independent union capable of negotiating its interests without being coerced by other academic bodies.
NAMDA, the trade union for medical lecturers in universities, tertiary health institutions and research institutions, stated that it is responsible for undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, including the training of postgraduate doctors and dentists across Nigeria.
The union affirmed that it reserves the right to apply legitimate means, including legal actions, to pursue its demands.
“A withdrawal of services directed by the relevant organ of our union will only rely on relevant sections of our constitution,” it emphasised, warning that such an action, if necessary, would have significant impacts on the critical sectors of education and health.
In a statement on Wednesday jointly signed by its President, Dr. Nosa Lancy Orhue; Secretary-General, Dr. Abdulrahman Shehu; and National Liaison Officer/Organising Secretary, Dr. Muhammad Askira, the association stressed that it would not allow itself to be blackmailed, coaxed or lured away from the interests of its members.
“NAMDA is an independent union that has the capacity to negotiate its interests and support mutual respect. We are not on strike, and we will not be blackmailed against, coaxed against, or lured away from the interest of its members,” the group stated.
It explained that despite an earlier clarification, it continues to receive calls from members, journalists, and the public seeking clarity on its position in relation to ASUU’s withdrawal of services.
The statement added that NAMDA members had long been abandoned by the system, but the union would continue to support only legitimate demands that do not negatively affect the critical interests of its members.
“NAMDA is aware of the various engagements between the Federal Government and other unions in recent times, and with the exclusion of some other unions, including NAMDA in the university system.
“Curiously, it appears these engagements did not resolve the impasse significantly. NAMDA has presented its demands to the Federal Government through the Ministries of Labour and Education,” it said.
Credit: Thenation
