Ibadan, Oyo State — Resident doctors at the University College Hospital (UCH) have joined the nationwide strike declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), halting specialist services at the federal teaching hospital from 12:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dr. Gboyega Ajibola, President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), UCH chapter, said compliance is “total and comprehensive,” with no emergency corridors to be left open. “If you enter UCH, Ibadan, now, you will note that our members are not working as directed by NARD,” he said.
NARD’s industrial action, which commenced on November 1, follows what the body describes as prolonged government inaction on key demands, including:
- A 200% upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS);
- Full implementation of new allowances proposed since July 2022;
- Immediate recruitment of clinical staff and removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks delaying the replacement of exited doctors.
Ajibola warned the strike will significantly constrain UCH’s capacity, noting that resident doctors constitute about 80% of the hospital’s medical workforce. “The rate of admission, surgery, and the number of patients you will see in clinics will reduce,” he said. He added that patients compelled to seek care in the private sector would face higher costs and may not readily access UCH’s intensive, multidisciplinary specialist services.
Framing the industrial action as a system-wide plea rather than a political fight, Ajibola said: “It’s a struggle for a functional, just, strong and resilient healthcare system. We want a system that values both the people who provide care and the people we provide care for.” He urged stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and help broker a resolution, saying doctors are “keen to go back to work” once a fair settlement is reached.
Consultants are expected to remain at post, but overall service delivery at UCH will be sharply curtailed for the duration of the strike.
