- Health minister’s reps arrive Akure
The Federal Government has stepped in to find an amicable solution to the lingering industrial dispute which has grounded activities at the FUTA Teaching Hospital, Akure, FUTATH.
Already, representatives of the Minister of Health have arrived Akure, the Ondo State capital, to meet with the aggrieved labour leaders on the way forward.
Led by the Deputy Director, Resiodence Labour Desk Officer, Mr. Igbinosun Festus, the Federal health ministry officials are billed to meet with the workers and the labour leaders at the conference room of the FUTATH in Akure, Ondo State capital.
However the meeting could not hold because the labour unions leaders had informed the team through a letter dated July 23, 2026 and signed by the Ondo State Chairman of Trade Union Congress(TUC), Clement Fatuase, seeking rescheduling of the meeting due to unavoidable engagement.
Addressed through the office of the leader of the team to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, the letter requested for a rescheduling of the meeting to any convenient date for him to attend and contribute to the intervention move in the resolution of the industrial disputes.
The intervention team is also expected to meet the Special Adviser(Labour Matters) to the Ondo State Governor to discuss with him on the latest development.
With the new development, the team would need to report to the Minister on the request for the rescheduling of the meeting before a new date could be agreed upon for the team to return to the state and meet with the workers and the leadership of the Union.
In his address, while receiving the representatives of the Minister for Health and Social Welfare, the Chief Medical Director of FUTATH, Prof. Olusegun Ojo, on behalf of the management of the institution, appreciated the Minister for the timely intervention in the dispute.
Receiving the Minister’s representatives, the CMD 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.
“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.”
