The ongoing strike by clinical lecturers in the Colleges of Medicine and Health Sciences across South-West Nigeria has distressed medical and dental students, disrupting their academic activities and delaying their educational progress. The strike was recently declared by the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), South-West zone. Students across several universities in the region affected by the strike have had their Education brought to a standstill. Many of them were said to be preparing for their exams before the strike took effect.
Those in their final year, in particular, are struggling with the fear that their graduation dates will be pushed back even further, adding to an already extended academic journey. The Disruption has also affected those who balance academic work with other pursuits, such as entrepreneurship. Some find themselves in limbo, unsure whether to continue their studies or focus on alternative opportunities. The situation’s unpredictability has made it difficult for them to plan ahead, further compounding their stress and anxiety.
Emotional toll on students as strike creates a mental health crisis.
Furthermore, the uncertainty has taken a toll on the mental well-being of students who have spent years working towards their medical degrees. Many have expressed frustration over the stagnation, noting that their peers in other faculties continue their studies without interruption. Students residing in hostels meant for medical students are also experiencing added distress as they watch others in related programs move forward while they remain stuck in an indefinite waiting period. The prolonged uncertainty creates an emotional burden, with many fearing that the longer the strike lasts, the more difficult it will be for them to regain academic momentum.
Meanwhile, the industrial action was declared over grievances related to the non-payment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). Before taking the action, the association had already given an expired ultimatum on February 2. Despite multiple engagements with relevant authorities, no resolution has been reached. While acknowledging the lecturers’ demands for better remuneration, learners feel caught in a dispute beyond their control. They worry that prolonged negotiations and government inaction may extend the strike indefinitely, leaving them with no clear path forward.
Impact on medical training and future healthcare delivery.
Beyond the immediate academic concerns, the ongoing strike has broader implications for the future of medical practice in the country. The interruption of clinical training means that students are missing crucial hands-on experience necessary for their professional development. If the situation persists, the quality of medical education could be compromised, affecting the students and the broader healthcare system in the long run. With an increasing shortage of medical professionals in Nigeria, the prolonged delay in training new doctors and dentists could worsen the country’s healthcare challenges.
Many who had initially planned to stay and practice in Nigeria may consider seeking opportunities abroad, further exacerbating the Brain Drain in the medical field. As days turn into weeks, students are calling on all stakeholders to expedite the resolution of the crisis. Many believe that if the government takes swift action to address the lecturers’ demands, normalcy can be restored before more academic time is lost. Some have suggested alternative solutions, such as phased payments of outstanding Salaries to lecturers, to ensure that they return to work while negotiations continue.
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While learners remain hopeful that the strike will be called off soon, they are also preparing for the worst—further delays and disruptions to their medical education. With no definite end, many are left weighing their options, wondering whether to continue waiting or seek alternative opportunities. Until a resolution is reached, the uncertainty will continue to overshadow the academic aspirations and mental well-being of thousands of medical and dental students across South-West Nigeria. For now, they can only hope that the concerned parties reach an agreement soon, ending the crisis that has upended their education and future aspirations.