Authorities say ongoing tensions with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) are partly the result of misconceptions about certification procedures, stressing that the government cannot intervene in decisions made by professional medical colleges.
The clarification came from the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, in a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun.
Salako explained that accusations suggesting the government is delaying certification for resident doctors are misplaced.
He noted that the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN), which oversees specialist medical training, does not issue certificates to doctors following the Part I examinations, a long-standing policy outside the control of the ministry.
“The claim that government is delaying certificates is not correct. The Postgraduate Medical College does not issue certificates for Part I, and that is its established policy. We cannot override that process”, Salako said.
He added that misunderstandings about certification have also contributed to disputes over allowances and specialist recognition. While resident doctors are specialists-in-training, civil service rules limit specialist allowances to certified consultants. Extending such benefits to residents could trigger similar demands across other professional sectors, a concern highlighted by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
Despite the disagreements, Salako noted progress in negotiations with NARD, reducing the association’s outstanding demands from 19 to nine. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing legitimate concerns within the framework of existing laws and service regulations.
