The Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta Chapter, has accused the hospital management of bias and administrative injustice in the recent promotion exercise affecting some staff members.
The union, in a petition addressed to the Acting Medical Director of the centre and obtained by PLATFORM TIMES, alleged that several qualified staff were unjustly denied promotion while others with similar or lesser qualifications were elevated without due process.
According to the letter signed by the branch chairman, Comrade B. A. Obabiyi, and the secretary, Comrade O. A. Olatunji, the union expressed “deep concern and disappointment” over what it described as “a case of double standard” in the conduct of the recent promotion exercise within the hospital.
The union cited the case of Comrade Obabiyi Basheer, who was allegedly denied promotion to the position of Assistant Director despite possessing the required qualifications and passing the necessary examinations.
“This decision is illogical and discriminatory, particularly when other staff members such as Mrs. Fadahusi, who hold the same qualification, were promoted after sitting for the same examination,” the letter read in part.
The union also questioned the rationale behind the career progression of some administrative staff, noting that individuals like the former Director of Administration, Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Adefiwitan, and the current Director of Administration, Mr. Kehinde Apanisile, all hold degrees in Education yet rose smoothly to the peak of their careers.
“This clear inconsistency in policy application smacks of bias, victimisation, and selective justice,” SSAUTHRIAI alleged.
The union further faulted the promotion of Engr. Mrs. Omoniyi of the Works and Maintenance Department, who allegedly does not possess a degree but was elevated to the rank of Assistant Director, while 13 other qualified staff were denied similar advancement.
“Such contradictions erode trust, encourage low morale, and threaten industrial harmony within the centre,” the statement added.
SSAUTHRIAI therefore demanded that the hospital management:Review and rectify all affected promotion cases without delay.; Apply promotion criteria uniformly to all staff, irrespective of department or background and ; Cease all forms of favoritism and administrative bias in personnel matters.
The union warned that failure to address the grievances would compel it to “escalate the matter to the public domain,” vowing to mobilize its members and notify Nigerians, the media, and relevant oversight bodies about the alleged injustice.
“We urge management to act responsibly and in the spirit of fairness, transparency, and industrial peace. Continued silence or inaction will be taken as a deliberate provocation and an invitation to confrontation,” the union declared.
Meanwhile, PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the union executives, led by Comrade Basheer Ayobamiji Obabiyi, staged a peaceful protest within the hospital premises on Friday morning to express their displeasure over the issue.
When contacted for a reaction,the Acting Managing Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr. Shared Adediran, acknowledged the inquiry regarding the allegations raised against the hospital management.
He stated that the management would provide a detailed response after obtaining the reaction of the Director of Administration to the specific issues mentioned in the petition
And when contacted, the Director of Administration, Mr. Kehinde Apanisile, confirmed that the management had received the union’s petition.
Apanishile said “A copy of the letter was received today, and the hospital management is already looking into the matter,” Apanisile said. “We assure all staff that due process will be followed and the issue will be handled in line with the civil service rules.”
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