A protest unfolded at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, as disengaged staff voiced their grievances over looming job losses due to alleged recruitment irregularities. More than 1,500 workers faced termination following accusations of improper hiring procedures by the federal government.
The demonstration arose in response to a circular issued by the hospital’s management announcing examinations for specific cadres to be considered for reemployment. The protesters, demanding the suspension of the exam, barricaded the hospital’s main gates, halting both human and vehicular traffic in and out of the complex.
Samson Falope, one of the disengaged employees, disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the circular scheduled the examination for March 9 at the Command Day Secondary School, Army Barrack, Ede, Osun. Falope expressed hope for intervention and resolution from relevant authorities, anticipating the indefinite suspension of the examination.
Contrary to the protesters’ hopes, OAUTHC’s Public Relations Officer, MKemi Fasoto, affirmed to NAN that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would proceed with the examination as planned.
Adeyinka Owoade, the Coordinator of Aggrieved Workers-OAUTHC, urged fellow disengaged staff to refrain from complying with the examination directive. Owoade stressed the illegality of conducting exams off hospital premises and assured ongoing efforts to address the issue.
In his statement, Owoade emphasized, “Conducting exams outside of the hospital premises is unlawful and will continue to be so. Our leaders are actively addressing this issue and will provide further updates shortly. Your cooperation is appreciated. Thank you, we thank you.”
