Doctors and consultants at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue State, have embarked on an indefinite strike over the non-payment of eight months’ salary arrears, effectively shutting down operations at the institution’s teaching hospital.
Sources within the hospital blamed the current situation on years of alleged maladministration by successive leadership figures, including former Vice Chancellor, Professor Innocent Ujah, and former Chief Medical Director, Professor Silas Ochejile.
Both men, who are of Idoma origin, are accused of various forms of corruption, ranging from contract inflation and job racketeering to financial mismanagement.
“This university has been in shambles from the very foundation. And ironically, it is our own people, Idoma professors who are destroying it,” said a concerned staff member who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“From Professor Ujah’s alleged lacklustre and corrupt leadership to Professor Silas Ochejile’s tenure marked by job racketeering, inflated contracts, and unpaid salaries, the rot runs deep.”
Hospital staff alleged that during Professor Ochejile’s tenure, essential medical supplies were unavailable, with the pharmacy reportedly unable to provide even basic drugs like paracetamol.
They also claimed that doctors lacked proper office furniture and conducive working conditions, despite the institution receiving annual budgets running into billions of naira.
The crisis has continued despite the appointment of a new Chief Medical Director, Professor Teddy Agida, who insiders say is overwhelmed by the scale of the challenges he inherited.
“He met an empty treasury and is struggling to find funds to settle outstanding debts and begin much-needed renovations,” said another hospital staffer.
