LAUTECH nurses, midwives begin indefinite strike over minimum wage

Nurses and midwives at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have commenced an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and long-standing welfare issues.

The strike, which began on Friday, September 19, 2025, was declared by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Unit, after the expiration of a 15-day ultimatum earlier issued to management of the hospital.

A statement jointly signed by the Unit Chairman, Comrade Ojewumi Olutayo, and Secretary, Comrade Adedokun Foluwake, the association said, despite many engagements and reminders, no meaningful steps were taken to address their demands.

According to the union, Teaching Hospital workers have suffered systemic neglect, with their welfare consistently overlooked compared to counterparts in other state-owned health institutions in Oyo State who are already enjoying improved packages.

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The nurses and midwives listed their key demands, which include immediate implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustments with effect from January 2025, payment of promotion arrears from 2018 to 2024, recruitment of additional nurses to address severe staff shortages, and renovation and proper furnishing of nurses’ stations and restrooms to improve working conditions.

The union said the prolonged delay in meeting these obligations has created financial strain, low morale, and attrition of skilled personnel in the hospital.

They further noted that LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, being the only state-owned tertiary health institution in Oyo State, played a critical role as a referral centre for patients from Oyo, Osun, Kwara, and neighbouring communities.

The union warned that the strike could severely disrupt services for thousands of patients, including pregnant women, children, accident victims, and emergency cases.

The association called on Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently intervene to ensure fairness and equity in staff welfare, adding that industrial harmony is key to sustaining quality healthcare delivery in the state.

They, however, reaffirmed their commitment to professional excellence and quality care; the nurses and midwives maintained that the strike would continue until their demands are fully met.