The South-West zone of the Medical and Dental Consultants? Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to universities in the region to begin the payment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to clinical lecturers.

This was stated in a press release jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr. Abdulkareem Salawu, and Secretary, Dr. Omotola Obajolowo.

The association, in a statement issued after its zonal meeting, lamented the prolonged denial of CONMESS salaries to clinical lecturers in South-West universities.

MDCAN noted that universities in the region have yet to begin payment, despite its implementation in about 75 percent of federal universities nationwide.

The association expressed concern over the use of the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) instead of the CONMESS scale, which has been approved for medical and dental officers since 2008.

It stated that this situation has led to significant salary shortfalls, reduced pension contributions, and negative effects on the recruitment and retention of clinical lecturers.

The association further pointed out that this issue has jeopardized the training of medical doctors and healthcare professionals in the region.

It added that university managements in the South-West have remained unyielding, despite numerous representations backed by official circulars.

MDCAN is demanding the immediate harmonization of clinical lecturers? salaries with the CONMESS scale and the payment of four years? arrears to address the perceived injustice.

The association warned that failure to meet its demands by the end of the 21-day ultimatum could lead to a full-scale industrial action.

MDCAN called on Vice-Chancellors, Pro-Chancellors, and relevant stakeholders to intervene urgently to avert a looming crisis in the region?s universities. (Nigerian Tribune)

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