OAUTHC resident doctors join nationwide strike

Resident doctors at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) have announced they will join the nationwide strike declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) over unpaid salaries and poor working conditions.

In a statement signed by the chapter’s President, Dr. Jesunbo Martins, and Secretary, Dr. Toyyeb Oladipo, the Association said the decision followed an emergency general meeting. The strike is scheduled to begin at midnight on Monday, January 12.

The doctors expressed concern over the plight of 83 resident doctors at OAUTHC, noting that 40 of them are owed between 10 and 14 months of salary arrears, while another 40 have yet to receive their March 2024 salaries.

According to the statement, the prolonged non-payment has exposed members to “severe financial, psychological, and professional hardship.”

The Association urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to clear all outstanding entitlements without delay and address the broader national demands raised by resident doctors.

Among the key demands are the reinstatement of five disengaged resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja; full implementation of the Professional Allowance Table with arrears reflected in the 2026 budget; clarification on entry-level placement issues; re-introduction of the Specialist Allowance; and resolution of delayed salaries for House Officers.

Other requests include the re-categorisation and issuance of membership certificates, commencement of locum engagement and work-hours regulation, and speedy completion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement process.

The Association added that resident doctors will fully withdraw their services and take part in peaceful protests as directed, while remaining open to dialogue — provided discussions come with clear timelines and actionable commitments.

NARD had earlier warned, in a communiqué issued on December 1, 2025, that it would embark on an indefinite strike if the Federal Government failed to implement previously agreed demands.