The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has expressed its appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his swift intervention in the ongoing crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

This development follows President Tinubu’s decisive action on Wednesday, when he instructed the Minister of Education to dissolve the university’s governing council and remove the recently appointed Vice Chancellor, Professor Benard Odoh, along with the registrar.

This occured days after MDCAN declared a warning strike in protest of the exclusion of medical professionals from the list of eligible candidates for the Vice Chancellor position at the university.

The association had raised concerns about the lack of representation for doctors in key administrative positions, calling for a fair and inclusive process that would allow qualified medical professionals to contest for such positions.

Dr. Amaechi Nwachukwu, the chairman of MDCAN’s Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital branch, spoke to the media, expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for addressing their concerns.

Nwachukwu praised the President’s response, stating that his actions demonstrated that he is a leader who listens to the needs of the people and is committed to doing what is right for the nation’s institutions.

“I’m pleased that President Tinubu has taken decisive steps to resolve the crisis at UNIZIK,” Nwachukwu said.

“Just three days ago, MDCAN began our warning strike, and we held a press conference in support of our national body’s stance.

We called for the removal of the VC, the dissolution of the council, and the re-advertisement of the Vice Chancellor position to allow medical professionals to be included as potential candidates.

The President’s decision shows that he is committed to making sure things are done the right way.”

In addition to the resolution at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nwachukwu emphasized other key issues the association hopes the President will address.

Among their demands is a call for doctors working in universities and other government parastatals to be paid according to the consolidated salary structure, ensuring fair compensation for medical professionals.

Furthermore, the association raised concerns regarding the recent review of their salary structure by the federal government, which included a 35 percent increase in basic salary.

According to MDCAN, some institutions have failed to implement this increase, while others have yet to pay the arrears owed to medical personnel.

“We urge President Tinubu to look into these matters as well,” Nwachukwu added.

“The welfare of medical professionals is critical, and we believe that with his intervention, we can ensure that these issues are addressed promptly.”

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed concerns over the worsening economic crisis in Northern Nigeria, attributing it to the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a communique issued by National Publicity Secretary Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba on November 20, the ACF called for a review of these policies, noting their adverse impact on the region.

“The current Federal Government’s policies continue to worsen the precarious conditions in Arewa. Economic reforms, while necessary, should not impoverish the people they aim to serve,” the ACF stated.

The forum also highlighted escalating insecurity, poor educational outcomes, and inadequate electricity supply as major challenges.

It urged the Federal Government to ensure security, address the growing food crisis, and embrace constructive criticism to improve governance.

Furthermore, the ACF advised northern governors to adopt coordinated strategies in critical areas such as security, education, and agriculture to mitigate the region’s challenges.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of key officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and the Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike.

The Governing Council, headed by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised other notable members such as Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.

However, their tenure came under scrutiny following accusations of misconduct in the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor.

Reports revealed that the Council had appointed an individual deemed unqualified for the position, bypassing the established guidelines and due process required for such a critical role.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the Federal Government intervened to prevent a brewing crisis between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council.

The statement emphasized the government’s concern over the Council’s disregard for the university’s governing laws and its role in creating unnecessary tension within the institution.

The 23-year-old university has been a cornerstone of education in the region, making the recent controversies even more alarming.

President Tinubu expressed his commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in educational institutions.

He noted that such lapses undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s academic system and must be addressed to maintain public trust.

The President’s actions also extended to the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State, where Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, was removed.

Salami faced accusations of unlawfully suspending the Vice-Chancellor without adhering to the prescribed procedures.

Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the suspension, Salami reportedly refused to comply and instead engaged in what the government described as abusive and threatening behavior towards ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.

The Federal Government’s intervention underscores its resolve to restore order and integrity within Nigeria’s higher education sector.

President Tinubu has cautioned governing councils to avoid actions that distract from their primary mandate of fostering academic excellence.

He reiterated that his administration is focused on raising the standard of education across the country and will not tolerate acts that compromise this mission.