The Medical and Dental Specialists Association in Basic Medical Sciences (MeDSABAMS) has indefinitely suspended Dr. Ekemini Johnson, the former chairman of its University of Uyo branch. The suspension follows her decision to seek a court injunction against the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Uyo—a move that would have affected members from other branches—without first using the association’s internal dispute‑resolution mechanisms. The association’s communique states that this action violated organizational rules and defied directives from the National Officers Committee, which had instructed Dr. Johnson to step down because she had been on study leave for three years.
The suspension was announced at the close of MeDSABAMS’ 5th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, themed “Scaling Up Medical Education in Nigeria for the 21st Century Healthcare.” The conference, attended by medical professionals from across the country, received endorsement of the suspension from National President Dr. John Anionye and National Secretary‑General Dr. Tasiu Ibrahim. The communique further notes that Dr. Johnson’s suspension will be lifted only if she withdraws the court case and offers an unreserved apology to the association.
In addition to the disciplinary matter, the conference addressed broader issues affecting medical education and healthcare delivery. Delegates called for a review of the medical curriculum to reflect current realities and urged stakeholders to improve the welfare of medical trainers by providing necessary facilities and equipment. The association also recognized the efforts of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) in advocating for better welfare for doctors.
MeDSABAMS appealed to the government to ensure the universal applicability of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and its accompanying allowances for medical lecturers up to the age of 70. The association believes this will help curb brain drain and reduce remuneration disparities between pre‑clinical and clinical lecturers. It further expects the NMA and NAMDA to push for new welfare packages and allowances to stem the outflow of medical professionals from the country or their shift to other fields.
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