Doctors and consultants at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) in Benue State have begun an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries, shutting down the teaching hospital’s operations.
The health workers are protesting the non-payment of eight months’ salary arrears, a move that has worsened an already difficult situation at the institution.
Sources within the hospital blame years of alleged corruption and mismanagement by past leaders, including former Vice Chancellor Professor Innocent Ujah and former Chief Medical Director Professor Silas Ochejile, both of Idoma origin. They are accused of contract inflation, job racketeering, and poor financial management.
A hospital staff member said, “This university has been in shambles from the start. Sadly, it is our own people who have been destroying it. From Professor Ujah’s corrupt leadership to Professor Ochejile’s tenure marked by unpaid salaries and inflated contracts, the rot runs deep.”
During Professor Ochejile’s time, essential medical supplies were reportedly unavailable, with even basic drugs like paracetamol missing from the pharmacy. Doctors also lacked proper office furniture and good working conditions, despite the university receiving billions in annual budgets.
The current Chief Medical Director, Professor Teddy Agida, has struggled to manage the crisis, inheriting an empty treasury and many unpaid debts. Staff say he is overwhelmed by the challenges but is trying to find funds to pay workers and improve facilities.
The strike continues as doctors demand their unpaid salaries, leaving many patients in the community without access to crucial healthcare services.
