The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) has declared its readiness to join the nationwide strike called by its national leadership to demand better conditions of service.
In a statement jointly signed by the chapterโs President, Dr. Jesunbo Martins, and Secretary, Dr. Toyyeb Oladipo, and obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday, the association said it would commence the strike from midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026, following an emergency general meeting.
The chapter highlighted the plight of 83 resident doctors in OAUTHC, noting that 40 members are owed salary arrears ranging from ten to fourteen months, while another 40 members are still awaiting their March 2024 salary. The association described the prolonged non-payment as causing severe financial, psychological, and professional hardship.
ARD OAUTHC called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to urgently settle all outstanding salary arrears and ensure the immediate payment of all owed entitlements. The chapter stated that the strike would only be suspended if the groupโs demands, including the reinstatement of five resident doctors disengaged at FTH Lokoja, are met.
Other demands include the full implementation of the Professional Allowance Table with arrears reflected in the 2026 budget, clarification on skipping and entry-level placement issues by the Federal Ministry of Health and state authorities, re-introduction and full implementation of the Specialist Allowance, resolution of House Officersโ salary delays and arrears, re-categorisation and issuance of membership certificates post-Part I examinations by NPMCN, commencement of locum engagement and work-hours regulation committees, and timely conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement process.
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The OAUTHC chapter said that in line with the national directive of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), members would withdraw their services starting midnight on January 12, 2026, and participate in coordinated peaceful protests. While expressing readiness for dialogue, the association insisted that engagement must include clear timelines and concrete actions capable of resolving all outstanding issues.
The nationwide strike warning follows NARDโs communiquรฉ on December 1, 2025, in which the body threatened a total and indefinite strike if the Federal Government failed to implement agreed-upon demands within four weeks. The communiquรฉ was signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.