UCH nurses join nationwide strike

By Adejayan Gbenga –

Nurses at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, have joined the ongoing seven-day nationwide warning strike declared by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).

The UCH branch of the association commenced the industrial action on Wednesday following a congress meeting where members resolved to comply with the national directive. The nurses appealed to patients and the general public for understanding during the period of the strike.

Speaking on the development, the branch chairperson, Mrs. Olufunmilola Faminu, said the strike was initiated by the national leadership of NANNM over the Federal Government’s failure to meet the association’s demands.

According to her, the demands include the recruitment of more nursing personnel, improvement of medical facilities in hospitals, creation of a directorate for nurses at the Federal Ministry of Health, and the centralisation of internship programmes for nurses.

She added that the association is also advocating for better representation at the Federal Ministry of Health and a review of allowances for nurses and midwives.

“We deeply care about our patients and do not intend to abandon them,” Faminu said. “But nurses are left with no choice. This is a just and necessary action. While we’re on strike, other healthcare professionals are available to attend to emergencies.”

The nationwide strike, which began at midnight on July 29, is expected to end on August 5. However, the association has warned that if their demands remain unmet, a 21-day ultimatum will be issued, possibly leading to a full-scale indefinite strike.

NANNM has urged the Federal Government to engage in constructive dialogue to prevent further disruptions in the health sector.