Labour Union Shuts Down FUTA Teaching Hospital Over Unmet Agreements

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have told their members in health sector unions at the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) to start an indefinite strike from midnight on Sunday.

This strike comes after a seven-day ultimatum to the hospital management to fulfill a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU concerns enrolling workers in the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) using an authenticated nominal roll.

In a notice signed by the Ondo State Chairman of the NLC, Ademola Olapade, and TUC's Clement Fatuase, the unions instructed all members to stop work from 12:00 a.m. on Sunday "until further notice."

They also called for a peaceful protest at the hospital on Monday, July 27, to push for the MoU's implementation and to protect the rights of affected workers.

The notice stated that the strike was necessary because the authorities did not address the unions' demands after the ultimatum expired. The demands include enrolling all workers on the authenticated nominal roll into the IPPIS without discrimination. They also want an end to any pressure on workers to give up their union membership, stop the alleged intimidation of labour leaders and union members, and full compliance with the MoU's terms.

The notice read: "After the seven-day ultimatum ended without any resolution, the Organized Labour in Ondo State directs all affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in FUTATH to start an indefinite strike.

"All affiliates must stop work from 12:00 midnight on Sunday, July 26, 2026, until further notice.

"Also, all union members should gather for a peaceful protest at FUTATH on Monday, July 27, 2026, to support the MoU's implementation and protect the rights of affected workers.

"This directive follows the failure of the right authorities to meet the legitimate demands of Organized Labour. All affiliates must comply fully with this directive.

Effective Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026

Commencement Time: 12:00 Midnight

"An Injury to One is an Injury to All."

This strike notice comes even as the Federal Ministry of Health works to resolve the issue. Labour could not meet with the Ministry's delegation, led by Deputy Director and Resident Labour Desk Officer, Festus Igbinosun, on Friday for a scheduled discussion.

The meeting was postponed because the unions requested a new date, saying they had other commitments in a letter dated July 23.

The Chief Medical Director of FUTATH, Olusegun Ojo, welcomed the Minister of Health and Social Welfare's involvement in the matter. He said management has always engaged the unions in talks and pointed out that strikes have disrupted patient care, clinical services, and the hospital's development efforts.

Mr Ojo confirmed that the management is committed to dialogue, due process, and an open-door policy. He also asked for continued support from the Federal Ministry of Health and labour leaders to find a lasting solution to the issue.