Resident doctors at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), under the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), have announced their readiness to join a nationwide strike.

The strike, directed by NARD’s national leadership, is aimed at pressing for improved conditions of service. The OAUTHC chapter communicated this in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Jesunbo Martins, and Secretary, Dr. Toyyeb Oladipo, in Osogbo on Wednesday.

According to the statement, “The decision was reached at an emergency general meeting to participate in the national strike, scheduled to commence at midnight on Monday, January 12.”

The doctors highlighted the plight of 83 resident doctors at the complex, noting that 40 of them are owed salary arrears ranging from 10 to 14 months, while another 40 members are yet to receive their March 2024 salaries. They described the situation as prolonged and unresolved, causing severe financial, psychological, and professional hardship.

The OAUTHC chapter urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to immediately clear all outstanding arrears and ensure full payment of all accrued entitlements. The statement emphasized that the strike would only be suspended if the issues raised at both local and national levels were addressed, including the reinstatement of five resident doctors dismissed at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.

Other demands include:

Full implementation of the Professional Allowance Table, with arrears captured in the 2026 budget

Clarification on skipping and entry-level placement by the Federal Ministry of Health and institutional chief executives

Re-introduction and full implementation of the Specialist Allowance

Resolution of House Officers’ salary delays and arrears through formal pay advisories

Re-categorisation of membership certificates and issuance of certificates after Part I examinations by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria

Commencement of locum engagement and work-hours regulation committees

Timely resumption and conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement process

The statement reiterated that, in line with NARD directives, resident doctors will withdraw their services from midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026, under TICS 2.0. While the association remains open to dialogue, any engagement must include clear timelines and concrete actions.

“Members will also participate in coordinated peaceful protests as directed,” the statement added.