By Muhammad Tanko
The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has condemned the continued exclusion of its qualified members from contesting for the position of Vice-Chancellor (VC) in some Nigerian universities, describing it as a violation of university autonomy and existing laws.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Prof. Mohammad Aminu, and Secretary General, Prof. Daiyabu Ibrahim, in Jos, noted that advertisements for VC positions often require a PhD—an academic qualification below that of Professorship thereby disqualifying experienced medical and dental academics.
They argued, that it contradicts the Nigerian Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, which recogniszes Colleges of Medicine as integral parts of universities.
The group stressed that its members, who are full Professors with vast administrative experience as Heads of Departments, Deans, and Provosts, have led in research, attracted significant grants, and contributed immensely to teaching, governance, and the global reputation of Nigerian universities.
“Despite this, they face systemic exclusion from attaining the highest university leadership roles.
“This discrimination entrenched in some universities’ VC appointment adverts undermines meritocracy and equity,” the statement said,
The MDCAN added that it violates the Federal Ministry of Education’s guidelines and the amended Universities Miscellaneous Provisions Act (2003).
They further argued that such exclusion deprives universities of capable leadership, particularly at a time when Nigeria faces critical healthcare challenges and a brain drain of skilled professionals.
“This is not just an MDCAN issue, it tarnishes the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system,” the group warned.
They criticiszed recent VC advertisements by the University of Calabar and University of Uyo for excluding qualified medical academics, describing the move as “uniquely Nigerian and counterproductive.”
The association called for the revision of such advertisements and urged governing councils to adhere to transparent, merit-based appointment processes as mandated by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Ministry of Education.
The group also called for a formal investigation into institutions enforcing these exclusionary practices, with sanctions for non-compliance, while pledging to collaborate with other unions and civil society organisations to promote inclusive university governance.
The MDCAN commended the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, for issuing clear guidelines on the matter in April 2025.
They urged swift action from the Federal Ministry of Education, NUC, and university councils to end this marginalisation.
“Nigerian universities cannot afford to sideline some of their brightest minds from leadership,” they said.
