Medical and dental students at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos are facing an uncertain academic calendar after lecturers under the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA-UNILAG) commenced an indefinite industrial action over unresolved disputes with the university management.
The strike, which officially took effect on Monday, May 18, 2026, has brought teaching, clinical training, research supervision and examinations within the college to a standstill.
The union said the decision followed what it described as unsuccessful negotiations with the university authorities on longstanding welfare and regulatory issues affecting its members. According to the lecturers, repeated efforts to reach an agreement with management yielded no meaningful progress, prompting the union to activate the strike after the expiration of an earlier three-week ultimatum.
In a notice addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, the association confirmed that members unanimously agreed during a congress held on May 15 to withdraw all academic and clinical services indefinitely.
The letter, signed by NAMDA-UNILAG chairman, Dr. Ugburo Andrew Omotayo, stated that lecturers would no longer participate in teaching activities involving medical students across all levels.
“Our members will not be involved in lectures of medical students, tutorial teaching, seminar teaching, case-based learning, clinical teaching in the clinics, the wards and theatres,” the union declared.
The development is expected to significantly disrupt academic and professional training within the College of Medicine, particularly for students undergoing clinical rotations and research-based programmes.
Beyond classroom activities, the lecturers also announced a total suspension of laboratory demonstrations, ward rounds, seminars and supervision of student research projects. The union further directed its members to boycott official meetings connected to the university administration, faculties, departments and the College of Medicine throughout the duration of the strike.
The notice added that there would be “no laboratory teaching, demonstrations and supervision of research,” signaling a complete shutdown of academic engagement by the lecturers.
All ongoing and scheduled examinations have equally been suspended, leaving many students uncertain about the continuation of the academic session and the possible impact on graduation timelines.
The latest industrial action adds to growing concerns over recurring disputes in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, especially within medical institutions where strikes often disrupt both academic training and healthcare delivery. As of the time of filing this report, the University of Lagos management had yet to issue an official response to the strike declaration.