Resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have threatened to resume industrial action on Friday, August 28, 2026, if the state government and hospital management fail to resolve outstanding welfare and staffing concerns.
The Association of Resident Doctors at the teaching hospital issued the warning on Thursday in a statement signed by its President, Dr Adedapo Mustapha, and General Secretary, Dr John Stephen.
Also read: Police arrest suspected kidnapper over N1.6m rifle deal
The doctors suspended their previous industrial action on June 27 after agreeing to give the hospital management and relevant authorities eight weeks to address their demands.
The suspension was made “in good faith”, according to the association, which said the decision was intended to preserve industrial harmony, support the institution and prevent disruption to healthcare services across Oyo State.
With that period approaching its end, however, the doctors said several critical issues remain unresolved.
Among the outstanding demands are the full implementation and release of the Medical Residency Training Fund, implementation of the new Professional Allowance table, payment of minimum wage arrears and urgent recruitment of resident doctors and other essential medical personnel.
The association said the demands were reasonable and reflected welfare provisions that had already been implemented in other healthcare institutions.
“These demands are neither outrageous nor unreasonable,” the doctors said.
A particularly serious concern raised by the association is the shortage of medical personnel at the teaching hospital.
According to the doctors, the limited workforce has left existing resident doctors overworked, with prolonged and frequent call duties becoming increasingly common.
“The Hospital is experiencing gross manpower shortages, while the inability to attract and retain resident doctors is further worsened by the prevailing welfare conditions,” the association said.
The staffing problem, the doctors warned, extends beyond their own working conditions and could affect patient safety and the quality of healthcare delivered at the facility.
“This is not merely a matter of doctors’ personal comfort. The welfare of healthcare workers is intrinsically linked to patient safety, quality of care and the sustainability of healthcare services,” the statement said.
The warning places fresh pressure on the Oyo State Government and hospital management to reach an agreement before the August 28 deadline.
A renewed strike at the teaching hospital could disrupt medical services for patients who depend on the facility for specialist and residency-linked care.
The association, however, stressed that industrial action was not its preferred option.
“Our preference remains constructive engagement, dialogue and a mutually beneficial resolution,” the doctors said.
The resident doctors also appealed directly to the Oyo State Governor and other relevant authorities to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.
“We particularly appeal to the governor to safeguard the future of LTH Ogbomoso and salvage the increasingly critical situation within the institution by ensuring the prompt resolution of these outstanding welfare concerns,” the association said.
The doctors said they had already shown considerable restraint by suspending their earlier action and giving authorities time to respond.
They now want concrete steps taken before the deadline.
“We therefore wish to state clearly that if these outstanding demands remain unresolved, the Association shall resume its suspended industrial action effective 28 August 2026,” the statement said.
The dispute highlights wider pressures facing public healthcare institutions, where shortages of skilled personnel, remuneration concerns and training costs can affect both staff retention and patient care.
For LTH Ogbomoso, the immediate challenge is to resolve the outstanding issues before the deadline and prevent another disruption to healthcare delivery.
Also read: Air Peace faces N2bn loss after union disruption
The LAUTECH doctors strike threat therefore leaves the Oyo State Government with two weeks to address the resident doctors’ concerns and demonstrate that dialogue can avert another industrial dispute.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
