By Dayo Johnson Akure
The Chief Medical Director of the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital, FUTATH, Prof. Olusegun Ojo, has hailed the timely intervention of the Federal Government over the industrial dispute in the hospital, saying it is aimed at restoring industrial harmony.
A meeting scheduled for Friday to find lasting solutions to the lingering crisis between the workers and the management failed to hold.
A team of senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, led by Deputy Director and Residence Labour Desk Officer, Mr. Igbinosun Festus, arrived in the state to interface with the workers and labour leaders.
However, the meeting could not hold after the leadership of the labour union wrote a letter dated July 23, 2026, signed by the Ondo State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Clement Fatuase, seeking a reschedule due to an unavoidable engagement.
The letter, addressed through the leader of the team to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, requested that the meeting be rescheduled to a convenient date to enable him to attend and contribute to the resolution of the industrial dispute.
While receiving the Minister’s representatives, Ojo said, “On behalf of the Management of FUTA Teaching Hospital, Akure, I sincerely express my appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare for this timely intervention aimed at restoring industrial harmony in our Hospital.
“I also thank the Minister’s representative and all stakeholders present for their commitment to resolving the issues affecting our institution.
“This intervention reflects the Federal Government’s dedication to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare delivery in our hospital, and in all Federal Tertiary Hospitals nationwide.”
“Since the transition of UNIMED Teaching Hospital into a Federal Teaching Hospital, Management has been implementing the approved Federal Teaching Hospital structure and administrative reforms as directed by the Federal Ministry of Health.
“While these reforms are essential to the development of the Hospital, they have unfortunately generated disagreements between some Labour Union leaders and us.
“We have consistently engaged the Union leadership through meetings and dialogue to explain the rationale behind the ongoing reforms. Despite these efforts, the Hospital has witnessed repeated industrial actions and disruptions of clinical services before established dispute resolution mechanisms were fully exhausted.”
The hospital management raised the alarm that “These actions have adversely affected patient care, disrupted clinical activities, and slowed the development of the Hospital.
” It is important to note that the FUTA Teaching Hospital is still in its formative stage as a Federal institution.
“The Federal Government continues to invest substantial resources in its growth and remains responsible for the payment of staff salaries and other crucial obligations. Sustained industrial peace is therefore essential to achieving the Hospital’s mandate.”
“Management remains committed to maintaining an open-door policy, constructive engagement, and strict adherence to due process in addressing all staff concerns.
“We respectfully seek the support of the Honourable Minister’s representative and the Labour Union leadership in fostering mutual understanding, restoring confidence, and ensuring lasting industrial harmony.
“Our collective responsibility is to protect the interests of patients, staff, and the Federal Government by creating an environment that promotes uninterrupted healthcare services and institutional growth.
“We therefore appeal for a peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues and a renewed commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and the continued development of the FUTA Teaching Hospital, Akure.”