The Management of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, organised an interactive forum yesterday to enhance mutual understanding, improve healthcare delivery, and foster better work relationships. At the forum, union leaders had the opportunity to ask questions on staff management, facility upgrades, ongoing projects, promotions, and general staff welfare.
In his opening remarks, Chief Medical Director Prof. John Okeniyi noted that the hospital had made significant strides in improving quality healthcare delivery, with some projects nearing completion and others in the pipeline. He urged union leaders to contribute to the hospital’s growth, emphasising the importance of unity, support, and constructive ideas.
Prof. Okeniyi also highlighted his commitment to revamping the Fire Service department, which was facing staffing shortages due to successive retirements without replacement. He announced that 40 Health Attendants had been selected for training after undergoing fitness and medical evaluations, with up to 70% of their training fees paid so far.
During the forum, union leaders raised several issues, including staff numerical strength, additional oxygen plant, surgical theatre renovation, and employment waiver securement. Mr. Lateef Adeyeni, Chairman of SSATHURAI, commended Prof. Okeniyi for his fairness in handling the recent promotions exercise – 774 senior staff, 101 junior staff, and 56 conversions. Mr Adeyeni also requested consideration for stagnated deputy directors, and Prof. Okeniyi promised to look into the matter in line with Civil Service Rules and recommendations from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.
Top management attendees included the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Josephine Eniola Eziyi; Director of Administration, Dr. Ayodeji Bobade; Deputy CMAC, Prof. Akinwumi Komolafe; Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Adewale Junaid; and Deputy Director of Finance and Account, Mr. Moshood Osunmuyiwa,
Other union leaders present were the immediate past President of NUAHP and former Vice President of JOHESU, Dr Obinna Ogbonna; the Branch Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Mr Abiodun Alagboofe; and the Branch Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Mr Lawrence Oyeniyi.
