DUFUTH Management Responds to Interns’ Allegations, Clarifies Welfare and Salary Issues

The Management of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), Uburu, has issued a detailed response to recent allegations circulating on social media concerning the welfare, remuneration, and working conditions of interns at the hospital, describing several of the claims as misleading and lacking proper context.

In a statement released by the hospital, management acknowledged that while some concerns raised by interns are legitimate, others are distorted and fail to reflect the operational realities of a young federal teaching hospital still in its formative years.

DUFUTH noted that it is barely three years old but has recorded significant milestones within that short period, including securing accreditation from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for most of its clinical departments, with only a few programmes still undergoing the process. Despite limited resources, the hospital said it proceeded to create internship opportunities for young healthcare professionals, engaging 106 pioneer interns across Optometry, Radiography, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, and Pharmacy in early 2025.

Addressing claims of salary manipulation and underpayment, management explained that interns were duly issued appointment letters in March 2025 and commenced duties in April, with remuneration pegged to CONHESS 8 Step 2, in line with the approved salary structure. However, the hospital stated that although the revised statutory pay for interns had been approved and gazetted, it was not backed by immediate financial releases from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSWC), while delays in the 2025 federal budget further compounded the situation.

According to the statement, these constraints resulted in partial salary payments below the statutory benchmark. Management, however, assured interns during multiple engagement meetings that all salary shortfalls would be cleared within the internship period, with outstanding payments to continue even after internship completion.

The hospital cautioned against comparisons with long-established federal institutions such as LUTH, UCH, and UNTH, stressing that DUFUTH, as a new institution, operates under significantly different financial realities. Management disclosed that internal cost-cutting measures, including disengaging some part-time consultants and reallocating funds, were implemented to sustain intern stipends.

Accommodation and Welfare Concerns

On accommodation, DUFUTH acknowledged the concern but explained that the provision of interns’ lodges was included in its 2025 capital budget, now rolled into 2026 due to funding constraints. Previous attempts to secure off-campus accommodation were reportedly abandoned due to the lack of basic amenities.

Management clarified that accommodation is a mandatory requirement for house officers under MDCN accreditation, which informed the intake of only 34 house officers in December 2024 based on available lodging. Other professional regulatory bodies, the hospital noted, treat accommodation as optional rather than compulsory.

DUFUTH further revealed that its staff quarters currently comprise only 72 rooms serving over 1,000 staff, underscoring the scale of the accommodation challenge.

On-Call Food and Work Conditions

Regarding complaints over the suspension of on-call meals, the hospital stated that funds allocated for this purpose had been exhausted, necessitating a temporary suspension for all staff, including interns. Management disclosed that phased reinstatement has commenced, beginning with medical and dental interns and members of the Association of Resident Doctors, with plans to extend the benefit as finances improve.

The hospital emphasized that on-call food is a discretionary welfare provision, not a statutory entitlement.

Management also dismissed allegations of exploitation, hostile work environments, and punitive 24-hour daily work schedules, stating that all departments operate approved duty rosters. It noted that no formal complaints had been submitted through official channels and urged interns to report verified cases for investigation rather than relying on unsubstantiated online claims.

Position on Professional Body Issues

On reports of fines imposed on interns by the Association of Radiographers of Nigeria, DUFUTH stated that such matters fall under the purview of professional bodies and individual members, not hospital management. The hospital reiterated that its responsibility is limited to training and certification upon internship completion.

DUFUTH strongly denied allegations of administrative misconduct, victimisation, or ethical breaches, inviting relevant authorities including the Federal Ministry of Health, MDCN, RRBN, JOHESU, and other professional bodies to scrutinise its records.

Management concluded by reaffirming its commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for interns and called for continued engagement, cooperation, and mutual respect as the institution continues to grow and stabilise.

The statement was signed by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Agwu Nwogo O., and dated December 13, 2025.