Labor Protests Disrupt Hospital Activities in Ondo State

On Friday, protests by labor unions disrupted activities at the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital in Ondo State, causing patients to flee the facility amid chaos. The protests were triggered by a dispute over the absorption of 45 percent of inherited staff from the former University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, which was not adhered to according to a memorandum of understanding signed between the Ondo State Government and the Federal Government.

Allegations surfaced that police officers assaulted union members and used tear gas within the hospital premises, leading to panic among patients and staff. The unions claimed that the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) exercise was irregular and excluded inherited workers, prompting them to vow to sustain protests until the Ondo State Government intervenes.

They also called for a review of the appointment of Prof. Segun Ojo as the Chief Medical Director due to ongoing labor disputes and a hostile work environment.