Resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital{LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, have threatened to resume industrial action on August 28, 2026, if the Oyo State Government and hospital management fail to resolve their outstanding welfare and manpower demands.
The Association of Resident Doctors, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its President, Dr Adedapo Mustapha, and General Secretary, Dr John Stephen.
The doctors said they suspended their previous industrial action on June 27, giving management and relevant authorities eight weeks to address their concerns.
The suspension, according to the association, was made “in good faith” to preserve industrial harmony, support the progress of the institution and prevent disruption of healthcare services across Oyo State.
But with the deadline approaching, the doctors said several critical issues remained 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 critical medical personnel.
The association said the demands were neither excessive nor unreasonable, noting that similar welfare packages had been implemented in other healthcare institutions.
“These demands are neither outrageous nor unreasonable,” the doctors said.
The ARD also raised alarm over what it described as a severe shortage of medical personnel at the hospital, saying the situation had left the few available doctors overworked and overstretched.
“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.
According to the doctors, prolonged and frequent call duties have increasingly become the norm for the remaining workforce.
The association warned that the manpower crisis could affect patient safety and the quality and sustainability of healthcare services.
“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,” it said.
The latest warning comes after the resident doctors raised similar concerns in June, when they appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to facilitate the release of the Medical Residency Training Fund and payment of outstanding minimum wage arrears.
The dispute has also previously attracted the attention of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, which urged the Oyo State Government to intervene to prevent a breakdown in healthcare services at the hospital.
The doctors have also repeatedly raised concerns about the loss of medical personnel from the institution. In 2025, the association said the number of resident doctors had fallen sharply, leaving remaining doctors to cope with demanding schedules and staffing gaps.
The ARD said it did not want to disrupt healthcare delivery and preferred dialogue with government and hospital authorities.
“Our preference remains constructive engagement, dialogue and a mutually beneficial resolution,” the association said.
However, it warned that further delay could trigger another strike.
“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 association urged the Oyo State Government and hospital management to act before the deadline, stressing that a well-motivated, adequately staffed and properly supported workforce remained essential to maintaining quality healthcare at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.
