The University of Ilorin Branch of the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has backed the national body’s fresh 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that failure to resolve outstanding issues by August 31 could trigger further action.

The branch took the position at a Congress meeting held in Ilorin on Saturday to review developments surrounding the demands of medical and dental academics and resolutions reached at the association’s Emergency National Executive Council meeting.

In a communiqué signed by the Branch Chairman, Prof. Mohammed Abdulkadir, and Secretary, Dr. Adebayo Oloko, the association expressed concern over what it described as the government’s slow pace and lack of urgency in concluding negotiations and implementing previously agreed resolutions.

NAMDA said the ultimatum was necessary to compel the government to address long-standing issues affecting medical and dental academics in universities, tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals.

Among the association’s concerns are delays in concluding negotiations with NAMDA and implementing agreements already reached, as well as what it described as poor prioritisation of medical and dental education, training and research amid the country’s shortage of doctors and dentists.

The association also raised concerns over the continued migration of trained medical professionals and academics to other countries, warning that the trend was undermining undergraduate and postgraduate training as well as healthcare delivery.

It further called for improved welfare and working conditions for medical and dental academics to help retain skilled personnel and sustain the quality of medical education in Nigeria.

“Members have demonstrated considerable patience and restraint in the interest of maintaining stability within the university system and protecting the education of students,” the communiqué stated.

While acknowledging interventions by the Department of State Services and other stakeholders, the branch said such efforts must now produce “concrete, measurable and time-bound outcomes.”

The association therefore urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to use the 21-day window to conclude negotiations and resolve all outstanding matters before the deadline.

It warned that failure to achieve meaningful progress by August 31 would leave NAMDA with no option but to act in accordance with directives from its national leadership.

“We call on students, parents, members of the public and other stakeholders to prevail upon the Government to urgently address these matters and avert avoidable disruption to medical education, research and healthcare services,” the branch said.

The latest ultimatum comes amid concerns over the sustainability of medical training and healthcare delivery in the country, with NAMDA insisting that urgent government action is needed to prevent further deterioration in the sector.