Protest Erupts at OAUTH Over Dismissal of 2,000 Workers
The management's decision to lay off about 2,000 staff members was communicated through a memo dated January 31, 2024, by the acting Director of Administration, O. Omonije. The memo cited alleged job racketeering from early 2022 to 2023, leading to the recruitment of unauthorized personnel.
AKACHI NOEL 
A peaceful protest unfolded on Thursday at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, as newly recruited workers expressed their discontent over the decision by management to terminate their employment.
The protesters, armed with placards bearing messages such as "Say no to injustice" and "Our 14-month salary or nothing else," demanded compensation after being laid off despite working for approximately 14 months.
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The management's decision to lay off about 2,000 staff members was communicated through a memo dated January 31, 2024, by the acting Director of Administration, O. Omonije. The memo cited alleged job racketeering from early 2022 to 2023, leading to the recruitment of unauthorized personnel.
According to the memo, only 450 workers were approved for recruitment by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation before the alleged racketeering occurred. Consequently, the memo listed 68 personnel for retention and participation in a fresh recruitment process, while emphasizing that those recruited outside the approved number must cease identifying as hospital staff.
Expressing their grievances, Samson Ogunleye, a Higher Executive Officer among the affected workers, highlighted their demand for immediate payment for the work they had completed. Ogunleye revealed the recruitment process, including medical screening expenses and verification of certificates by a committee from Abuja.
Efforts to obtain a response from the hospital management were unsuccessful as calls to the Public Relations Officer, Kemi Fasooto, went unanswered, and there was no response to a text message sent by a correspondent.
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The protest underscores the growing tension surrounding the employment practices at OAUTH and highlights the challenges faced by workers affected by the recent decision.
