Allied health professionals at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have commenced an indefinite strike over the alleged refusal of the hospital management to implement a recommendation issued by the Federal Ministry of Health concerning the office of the Director of Pharmaceutical Services.
The industrial action, which took effect on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, was declared by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and affiliated professional associations within the tertiary health institution. The unions directed their members to withdraw all services until further notice.
According to the unions, the dispute centres on the hospital’s alleged failure to comply with the ministry’s recommendation regarding the appointment and administration of the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, despite previous interventions by the supervising ministry.
Union leaders said repeated efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue had not produced the desired outcome, leaving workers with no option but to embark on an indefinite strike to press their demands.
The strike is expected to affect several essential hospital services provided by pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, radiographers, dietitians and other allied health professionals, although emergency arrangements may continue in critical units.
The workers urged the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure full implementation of its recommendation, insisting that compliance would restore industrial harmony and improve administrative accountability within the hospital.
UCH, one of Nigeria’s foremost teaching hospitals, serves thousands of patients from Oyo State and neighbouring states, making the prolonged industrial action a significant concern for healthcare delivery in the South-West.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
