By Damilola Samuel
The Ondo State Government has been urged to intervene in the ongoing crisis surrounding the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital and work towards reopening the facility.
The call was made by Olaoluwa Aremo, CSM, who said the prolonged closure of the tertiary health institution was affecting workers, students and patients who depend on the hospital for healthcare services.
Aremo, in a press statement, said the disagreement involving the Ondo State Government, organised labour and the Federal Ministry of Health should not be allowed to keep the hospital shut indefinitely.
He also expressed concern over the alleged attack on the Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board, describing the reported incident as troubling and calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to address the matter.
According to him, government officials should be able to carry out their responsibilities without intimidation or violence.
Aremo said the dispute over the absorption of former state hospital workers into the Federal Civil Service also required dialogue rather than continued exchanges between the parties.
He noted that while the Federal Ministry of Health should maintain its rules regarding the absorption of qualified and verified workers, the interests of affected employees should also be considered.
He suggested that Governor Aiyedatiwa convene a meeting involving the state government, Federal Ministry of Health, FUTA Teaching Hospital management and organised labour to find a lasting solution.
“A broken bridge is repaired from both ends,” Aremo said, urging all parties to return to the negotiating table.
He further suggested that workers who do not qualify for federal absorption could be considered for redeployment within the Ondo State public service, where applicable, while others could be offered lawful transitional arrangements or retraining.
Aremo stressed that the prolonged dispute was having consequences beyond the parties involved, particularly for FUTA students who require the teaching hospital for their training and residents who need access to medical services.
“FUTA students need a functioning teaching hospital. Patients need healthcare. Workers need justice. Government needs credibility,” he said.
He therefore called on the governor to take the lead in finding a negotiated settlement, while urging the unions and Federal Ministry of Health to engage constructively.
Aremo maintained that the teaching hospital should not become a bargaining tool in the dispute, stressing that its future should be protected regardless of the interests of the government, unions or individuals involved.
