The Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta Chapter, has accused the hospital’s management of bias and administrative irregularities in its recent promotion exercise.
In a petition addressed to the Acting Medical Director, the union alleged that several qualified staff were unjustly denied promotion, while others with equal or lesser qualifications were elevated without adherence to established procedures.
The petition, jointly signed by Branch Chairman Comrade B. A. Obabiyi and Secretary Comrade O. A. Olatunji, expressed “deep concern and disappointment” over what it described as “a clear case of double standards” in the exercise.
Citing specific cases, the union said Comrade Obabiyi Basheer was denied promotion to Assistant Director despite meeting all requirements and passing the necessary qualifying examinations.
“This decision is illogical and discriminatory, particularly when other staff members such as Mrs. Fadahusi, who hold the same qualification, were promoted after taking the same examination,” the petition stated.
The union also highlighted inconsistencies in the promotion of administrative officers, pointing out that both former and current Directors of Administration – Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Adefiwitan, and Mr. Kehinde Apanisile – all possess degrees in Education but advanced in their careers without hindrance.
“This inconsistency in policy implementation reflects bias, victimisation, and selective justice,” SSAUTHRIAI alleged.
It further criticised the promotion of Engr. Mrs. Omoniyi from the Works and Maintenance Department, claiming she was promoted to Assistant Director without a university degree, while 13 other qualified staff were denied similar advancement.
According to the union, “Such irregularities erode trust, lower staff morale, and threaten industrial peace within the institution.”
SSAUTHRIAI called on the hospital’s management to urgently:
- Review and correct all affected promotion cases;
- Apply uniform standards across all departments; and
- End favoritism and bias in personnel administration.
The union warned that failure to address the grievances would compel it to escalate the matter publicly and mobilise members, the media, and relevant oversight agencies to expose what it described as injustice.
“We urge management to act responsibly and uphold fairness, transparency, and industrial harmony. Continued silence or inaction will be seen as provocation and an invitation to confrontation,” the union said.
Meanwhile, there were indications that the union’s leadership, led by Comrade Basheer Ayobamiji Obabiyi, staged a peaceful protest within the hospital premises on Friday morning to express their displeasure.
Responding to the allegations, Acting Managing Director of FMC Abeokuta, Dr. Shared Adediran, confirmed receipt of the petition, stating that the management would issue an official response after consulting with the Director of Administration.
Similarly, the Director of Administration, Kehinde Apanisile, acknowledged receipt of the complaint, saying:
“A copy of the letter was received today, and the hospital management is already reviewing the matter. We assure all staff that due process will be followed and the issue will be handled in accordance with civil service regulations.”
