The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, did not discharge patients on admission over the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors’ (NARD) proposed strike slated for Jan. 12, the President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Dr Uthman Adedeji, has said.
NARD had earlier threatened to resume its suspended strike on Jan. 12 over the Federal Government’s alleged failure to meet its welfare-related demands, including issues bordering on promotions, allowances and working conditions.
It was, however, reported that the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima led to the suspension of the proposed strike for two weeks.
A visit to the hospital on Monday reporters showed that doctors were at their duty posts and attending to patients.
Speaking in an interview with reporters, Adedeji said no patient was discharged on account of the strike, as industrial action had not commenced at the hospital.
He said the intervention of the Vice President resulted in resolutions on key issues raised by the association.
According to him, NARD had suspended its nationwide strike of Nov. 2, 2025, on Nov. 29, 2025, after issuing the Federal Government a 30-day ultimatum to fulfill the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on doctors’ welfare and healthcare infrastructure.
Adedeji added that the association again opted to suspend the planned strike in order to allow dialogue aimed at securing improved working conditions, salaries and increased healthcare funding.
“Doctors nationwide have returned to work, reposing confidence in the leadership of Dr Mohammed Sulaiman and the National Officers’ Committee (NOC).
“NARD reiterates its appeal to Nigerians and stakeholders to support the full implementation of the MoU.
“The association appreciates the intervention of the Vice President, which led to the suspension of the planned industrial action,” he said.
Adedeji urged doctors to remain committed and to trust the ongoing engagement process, while also encouraging patients to continue supporting doctors’ legitimate demands for improved healthcare delivery.
“NARD is hopeful that all outstanding MoU issues will be resolved by Jan. 25, 2026, when progress will be reviewed at the National Executive Council meeting.
“We remain committed to better healthcare for Nigerians and urge the government to honor its commitments,” he added.
