FUTA teaching hospital begs health workers to shelve strike

The management of Federal Teaching Hospital, Akure, has appealed to the Ondo State council of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals to shelve its planned industrial action.

The union had earlier threatened to embark on strike starting April 8, 2026, to press its demands on the hospital management.

In a notice of strike sent to the institution and signed by the union chairman, Elusoji Olumide, the union said the industrial action had become necessary, alleging that the hospital’s Chief Medical Director had refused to resolve the trade dispute, which has adversely affected the welfare, professional standing, and working conditions of its members.

However, in a statement made available to news men on Sunday, the Head of Public Relations at FUTA Teaching Hospital, Mr Tope Fayehun, described the allegations by the union as unfounded, misleading, and not reflective of the collaborative and transparent processes in place, which are acknowledged by other workers.

According to the statement, the institution affirmed its commitment to the welfare of all staff and called on the union to embrace dialogue to resolve the matter amicably.

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The statement read, “We remain fully committed to the welfare of our staff, the delivery of world-class healthcare, and elevating FUTA Teaching Hospital to the customary standards of the leading teaching hospitals in Nigeria and beyond.

“FUTA Teaching Hospital operates strictly within the established frameworks and best practices applicable to all federal teaching hospitals across the country. Every action taken by the current management aligns with these standards, aimed at optimising service delivery for patients who travel from far and wide seeking quality care.

“We categorically deny all allegations leveled against the Chief Medical Director and management, including claims of arbitrary staff removals, forceful transfers, department scrapping, capricious demotions, inappropriate appointments, intimidation, or oppression.”

Urging NUAHP executives and members to shelve their planned strike and engage constructively with management through dialogue channels, the statement added:

“Your cooperation is and will continue to be vital to sustaining the current momentum of progress and the transition process while ensuring uninterrupted, compassionate care for our patients.

“The management of FUTA Teaching Hospital remains open to dialogue and amicable resolution and invites all stakeholders to witness our dedication firsthand,” the statement concluded.