Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have suspended their 50-day strike for an initial period of eight weeks following the intervention of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) announced the decision on Friday, October 16, 2026, after reviewing the outcome of a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the governor to address the issues behind the industrial action.
In a letter jointly signed by the ARD President, Dr Mustapha Adedapo; Public Relations Officer, Dr Abdulrahman Fofie; and Assistant General Secretary, Dr Oladayo Bada, the association expressed appreciation for Makinde’s intervention and commitment to resolving the dispute.
The doctors also commended the governor’s visit to the hospital and his chairmanship of a stakeholders’ meeting held at Gangway Hall on October 15, which brought together government officials, hospital board members, state lawmakers and other stakeholders.
“The presence of key government officials, members of the hospital board, the leadership of the State House of Assembly, and other stakeholders underscored the seriousness and sincerity of government in addressing the longstanding concerns raised by healthcare workers,” the letter stated.
The association’s major demands include the implementation of the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA), payment of outstanding 2025 minimum wage arrears and implementation of the Revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT).
According to the ARD, the governor committed to ensuring that the 2025 minimum wage arrears are paid on or before mid-November 2026. He also directed the establishment of a multi-stakeholder committee to develop modalities for implementing the revised professional allowance table within six weeks.
The association further said Makinde committed to ensuring the passage of the Medical Residency Training Act Bill on or before October 28, 2026, with assent expected within the first week of November.
“These commitments demonstrate His Excellency’s dedication to strengthening the healthcare system in Oyo State, improving the welfare of healthcare workers, and ensuring quality healthcare delivery to the people of the state,” the association said.
Following an emergency general meeting on Friday, the doctors resolved to suspend the strike in recognition of the government’s commitments and ongoing discussions with the hospital management.
“In recognition of the Governor’s goodwill and the ongoing efforts of the Government and Hospital Management toward resolving our demands, the Association resolved to suspend its fifty (50)-day industrial action for an initial period of eight (8) weeks,” the letter noted.
All resident doctors have been directed to resume full clinical duties on Saturday, October 17, 2026, restoring their participation in patient care at the teaching hospital.
The association pledged to continue engaging with the government and hospital management to secure the implementation of the agreed measures.
It added: “We are optimistic that the commitments made will be implemented within the agreed timelines and that this marks the beginning of a lasting resolution to the concerns of our members.”
The eight-week suspension provides a window for the authorities to fulfil the commitments made and address the doctors’ welfare concerns, with the implementation of the agreements expected to determine the next steps in the dispute.
