ARD LAUTECH suspends 50-day strike, give 8weeks window for implementation

Resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have suspended their 50-day industrial action following a direct intervention by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

The decision to call off the strike was reached during an Emergency General Meeting of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, held on Friday, following commitments secured during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting chaired by the governor.

With the suspension, all resident doctors at the tertiary health institution were directed to resume full clinical duties on Saturday, October 17.

According to a statement signed by the President of ARD, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Dr. Adedapo Mustapha, the association resolved to suspend the industrial action for an initial period of eight weeks to monitor the implementation of agreements reached with the state government.

Dr. Mustapha expressed the doctors’ gratitude to Governor Makinde for his timely intervention and statesmanship in addressing the core issues that sparked the 50-day standoff.

He noted that the governor visited the hospital and personally presided over a crucial stakeholders’ meeting on October 15, 2026, at the Gangway Hall in Ogbomoso, which brought together key government officials, members of the hospital board, leadership of the Oyo State House of Assembly, and trade unions in the health sector.

Highlighting the major issues presented by the association during the meeting, the ARD President listed the implementation of the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA), payment of the 2025 minimum wage arrears, and implementation of the Revised Professional Allowance Table (PAT).

He disclosed that the governor gave concrete commitments toward resolving all three demands within specific timeframes.

“Specifically, we commend His Excellency for approving that the 2025 Minimum Wage Arrears be paid on or before mid-November 2026,” Dr. Mustapha stated.

He added that Governor Makinde directed the constitution of a multi-stakeholder committee comprising representatives of ARD LAUTECH, MDCAN, NANNM, JOHESU, the Ministry of Health, and the Governor’s Office to develop modalities for the implementation of the Professional Allowance Table (PAT) within six weeks.

On the legislative framework for resident doctors, Dr. Mustapha revealed that the governor committed to ensuring the Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA) Bill is passed by the House of Assembly on or before October 28, 2026, with an assurance to assent to the bill within the first week of November 2026.

When contacted by The Nation to confirm the development, he said, “Consequent upon these positive developments and assurances, the Association convened an Emergency General Meeting on 16th October 2026 at 9:00 a.m., during which members carefully reviewed the outcomes of the meeting with His Excellency.

“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 50 day industrial action for an initial period of eight weeks to allow for the implementation of the agreed resolutions.”

Dr. Mustapha reiterated the commitment of the doctors to constructive engagement and quality health delivery, expressing optimism that the timelines established during the meeting would be strictly adhered to by the state government.