By Juliet Umeh

A major crisis is brewing at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Lagos, as researchers have embarked on an indefinite strike, protesting what they describe as high-handed management practices and policies undermining research productivity, staff welfare, and institutional autonomy.

The industrial action, which began midweek, has effectively shut down research activities at the institute, even as other categories of staff remain at work.

At the heart of the dispute is the implementation of the Federal Government’s eight-year tenure policy for directors, which has triggered a wider confrontation between the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions, ASURI, and the institute’s management.

ASURI accuses DG of betrayal

In a notice announcing the strike and planned picketing, ASURI accused the Director-General, Prof. John Obafunwa, of actions it described as “a direct betrayal of the cooperative posture to ensure industrial harmony.”

The union said: “Your decision to issue retirement letters to Research/Academic Cadre Directors based on the eight-year tenure policy is compounded by an unconscionable plot to throw these high-caliber scientists and their families onto the streets.”

ASURI further alleged a breakdown in governance structures, stating: “By allowing the Internal Management Committee to remain comatose, you have permitted a non-academic officer to misadvise your office and subvert the statutory protections governing the Research/Academic Cadre.”

The union declared an “immediate, total and indefinite strike action,” warning that picketing would follow without further notice.

Management defends actions

However, NIMR management has pushed back, insisting it is merely complying with directives from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Health.

Speaking to Vanguard, the institute’s media consultant, Mr. Sam Eferaro, said the strike affects only researchers.

“The strike started Wednesday. It’s only the researchers that are not working. Other members of staff are working, everywhere is quiet, but when you go to the lab, you won’t see a researcher working,” he said.

On the contentious retirements, he maintained: “It is the federal government policy. NIMR is only implementing the directive of the Head of Civil Service and instruction by the Ministry of Health,” adding that only three directors were affected.

He also dismissed claims of eviction from official quarters: “Management has not evicted them as claimed.”

No plans to join strike — other unions 

Meanwhile, Non-academic staff Union of Educational Associated Institution, NASU and Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching,  Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, SSAUTHRIAI at NIMR have distanced themselves from the strike, saying they have no directive from their national bodies to join and remain at work.

NASU Branch Chairman, Comrade Nathaniel Akinfenwa, and SSAUTHRIAI Branch Chairman, Comrade Dennis Abuh both confirmed that their unions are not part of the action and have no issues with management.

They said any grievances should be directed to the appropriate authorities, adding that picketing would not disrupt access to the institute and no such activity had been seen. They also noted that services and patient care are continuing normally.

On the threat of picketing, Abuh dismissed fears of disruption: “Picketing, if it happens, is only for their members. You cannot picket people who are not in your union. The gates will not be shut. Staff and patients will still be allowed into the premises.”

They also confirmed that no picketing had taken place as of the time of reporting: “Since morning, I have not seen any form of picketing.”

Despite the strike by researchers, the unions emphasized that essential services remain uninterrupted: “We are already in the premises, and work is ongoing. Patients will continue to receive services.”

Deeper grievances emerge

Beyond the tenure policy, findings indicate deeper grievances among researchers, pointing to a broader institutional crisis. A senior ASURI source from the headquarters described a pattern of administrative control affecting research activities. “They are required to seek approval from the DG before applying for grants. If you don’t, even if you win the grant, access to the funds may be blocked,” the source said.

Concerns also extend to training and professional development. “Researchers are asked to use their annual leave for conferences and training. Even when approval is given, it is later deducted from leave records,” the source added.

In one instance, participation in an international programme was restricted: “Eight people were selected from Nigeria, six from NIMR, but only four were approved.”

Governance, restrictions, and morale

Researchers also raised concerns about restrictions on collaboration. “All communication with funders and collaborators must go through central management; this has led to complaints from funders and, in some cases, threats to withdraw support,” the source said.

On governance, the source noted limited representation: “Only one researcher appears to sit in a key management group; the rest are administrative officers.”

Working conditions have also been criticised. “The 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. rule does not reflect the reality of research work. Fieldwork and analysis often extend beyond those hours.”

Financial concerns were also highlighted: “There are additional charges on grants including administrative costs and operational expenses like electricity.”

According to ASURI, the cumulative effect is damaging. “At this point, researchers just want a system that allows them to work freely, apply for grants, collaborate internationally, and carry out research without excessive control and delays.”

Policy clash and looming escalation

Documents show that the Federal Government had directed strict enforcement of the eight-year tenure policy across ministries and agencies, warning that non-compliance would attract sanctions.

However, ASURI insists the policy has been “conclusively addressed” for research cadres and should not override existing conditions of service, including a 65-year retirement benchmark.

As tensions escalate, the threat of picketing looms, raising concerns about prolonged disruption to critical medical research.

For now, while administrative offices remain open, laboratories are largely inactive, highlighting a growing standoff over governance, autonomy, and the future of research institutions in Nigeria.

Vanguard News