Labour groups in Ondo State, specifically the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, have declared a seven-day deadline for the leadership of the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH). If their grievances regarding employee rights and the transition agreement remain unresolved, they have vowed to begin an indefinite work stoppage.
In a formal communication sent to Prof. Olusegun Ojo, the Chief Medical Director, union heads Prince Ademola Olapade and Clement Fatuase highlighted failures to honor the Memorandum of Understanding signed when the State Specialist Hospital became a federal institution. The unions specifically cited the exclusion of several employees from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Furthermore, they condemned reports that staff members were being forced to abandon their union affiliations to qualify for the transition.
The unions dismissed the Chief Medical Director’s claims that the staff lists were inaccurate, noting that these records were previously verified in discussions involving Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other university officials. They further alleged that management has been intimidating union representatives.
Responding to these accusations, Prof. Ojo maintained that the transition is following official government procedures. He clarified that federal absorption is subject to verification by the Ministry of Health, rather than being automatic for all personnel. He noted that over 800 workers are already on the federal payroll and encouraged the unions to pursue peaceful dialogue to resolve the remaining disagreements.