The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan chapter, has commenced an indefinite strike over a prolonged disagreement with the hospital management concerning the disciplinary case involving the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Dr Adeyinka Ishola.
The industrial action began on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, after the union said repeated efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue and other interventions failed to produce a resolution.
NUAHP, which represents 13 of the 15 categories of allied health professionals at UCH, said its major demand is for the hospital management to implement the recommendation of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare concerning Ishola's case.
What Triggered The Dispute?
The dispute is linked to the sale of a tricycle that was donated to the Pharmacy Department of UCH and the disciplinary action subsequently taken against Ishola.
According to NUAHP Chairman, Oladayo Olabampe, an investigation initially conducted by the hospital recommended disciplinary action against the director, with the matter later referred to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The ministry subsequently constituted an independent investigative team to examine the matter.
Olabampe said the ministry's panel reached a different conclusion from the hospital's initial investigation.
According to him, the ministry's investigation found Ishola not guilty of fraudulent conduct but found that he failed to properly carry the hospital management along before the tricycle was sold.
The union chairman said the ministry consequently recommended that Ishola be reprimanded and reinstated rather than dismissed.
Union Demands Reinstatement
NUAHP said it expects the UCH management to implement the recommendation of the ministry, which it regards as the hospital's supervisory authority.
Olabampe said the union was surprised that management had allegedly declined to act on the ministry's recommendation for several months.
He also said the union disagreed with the position reportedly taken by UCH management that the ministry's decision was not final.
According to the union, the matter should be resolved by implementing the ministry's recommendation and reinstating Ishola after the stipulated reprimand.
Union Defends Pharmaceutical Director
The union also rejected the suggestion that the sale of the tricycle amounted to fraud.
Olabampe maintained that Ishola may have committed an administrative error by failing to adequately communicate with management before disposing of the item, but argued that this should not be treated as fraudulent conduct.
The union therefore said it stands by the ministry's recommendation for a reprimand and reinstatement.
Ishola was removed from office more than a year ago following allegations that he sold the tricycle without the knowledge or approval of UCH management.
The tricycle was reportedly donated by a pharmaceutical company.
During the investigation, Ishola reportedly explained that the tricycle was initially presented to him as a personal gift by the pharmaceutical company before he handed it over to the Pharmacy Department.
He was also reported to have asked the investigative panel to contact the donor company for clarification regarding the circumstances surrounding the donation.
Ishola reportedly explained that the decision to sell the tricycle was influenced by concerns about its maintenance, particularly the possible difficulty of obtaining spare parts because it was a specially fabricated model rather than the conventional type commonly used commercially.
According to his account, the N1.3 million generated from the sale was not diverted for personal use but was used to meet various needs within the department.
These reportedly included replacing trolley tyres and laptop batteries, as well as purchasing office chairs.
He also reportedly maintained that the money was properly accounted for and that supporting documents were presented during the investigation.
Ownership Of The Tricycle Remains A Key Issue
At the heart of the disagreement is the question of ownership of the tricycle and whether Ishola had the authority to dispose of it.
While Ishola's account reportedly indicates that the item was initially given to him before being handed over to the Pharmacy Department, UCH management is said to have maintained that the tricycle became hospital property once it was donated to the department.
The disagreement over its ownership and disposal has therefore remained central to the disciplinary dispute.
NUAHP Declares Indefinite Strike
According to the union, several meetings and attempts at dialogue with the hospital management failed to resolve the matter.
Olabampe said the union had previously issued two ultimatums before deciding to commence industrial action.
He said the indefinite strike would continue until the union's demands are addressed.
The action could affect the activities of allied health professionals across different departments of UCH and potentially disrupt some services provided by the tertiary healthcare institution.
The latest industrial action is not the first labour-related disruption recorded at UCH in 2026.
In March 2026, workers under the Council of UCH Union Leaders embarked on a five-day warning strike over alleged electricity rationing at the hospital.
The unions at the time raised concerns about the effect of power-related challenges on surgeries, laboratory services and other clinical operations.
The latest dispute between NUAHP and UCH management could therefore create another challenge for service delivery at the institution, which serves as a major referral, teaching and training centre for patients and healthcare professionals.
As the indefinite strike continues, attention will be focused on whether further discussions between the union, hospital management and relevant authorities can resolve the disagreement and restore normal activities at UCH.
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