VC Position: NMA Criticises ASUU To Rule Out Doctors


Posted on: Wed 23-09-2015

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has said  attempts by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to rule out holders of medical fellowships from becoming university vice chancellors as “laughable and mischievous.”
 
In a reaction to ASUU President Nasir Fagge’s comment  which urged local congresses of the union to insist that only Master’s and PhD holders can teach in universities, NMA said ASUU demonstrated “nude ignorance.”
 
In a statement, NMA president, Dr Kayode Obembe condemned the inciting nature levelled against  qualified Nigerians whose eligibility to equally aspire to lead the universities, has been proved beyond all reasonable doubt. 
 
 
Obembe pointed out that doctors must meet higher cut-off scores to get university admissions, a longer period of academic study, international common entrance to get into a medical fellowship compared with PhDs and the six years it takes to complete a fellowship unlike an average three years for a PhD.
 
It also pointed to the Nigerian Universities Commission’s recommendation that a fellowship or its equivalent from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria is a suitable alternative to PhDs in relation to appointment of vice chancellors. 
 
NMA said VCs with medical background have demonstrated impeccable and track record efficiency, capability and meritorious achievements in university governance in the country.
 
By Judd-Leonard Okafor
Daily Trust