Workers of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) on Friday stormed the administrative building of the Hospital over unpaid arrears.
It will be recalled that the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, recently increased the hospital’s subvention for the second time but workers alleged that the hospital management has not disbursed the funds meant for their welfare.
Speaking with journalists, Kumuyi Oluwatimileyin accused the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Professor Kayode Olabanji, of withholding over N94 million in subvention received from the state government.
“The CMD received a subvention of over N94 million. What we are demanding is the payment of our March minimum wage arrears. We are ready to receive our alerts now,” she said.
Another staff member, Olubolade Ogunleye, expressed frustration, alleging that palliatives and other benefits meant for workers were being diverted by the hospital’s management.
“We were not paid the minimum wage despite the state government’s efforts. Palliatives were given to the hospital, but workers didn’t receive anything. There are several other benefits that we’ve been denied.
“The government gave the provisions to the management, but they didn’t get to us. We’re calling on both the state and federal governments to intervene immediately, we are suffering.
“They say they are embarking on projects, but they should pay our wages first. If the workers are fine, the projects will succeed. That’s the only way we can contribute meaningfully to the development of this hospital,” she added.
Addressing the protesters, Prof. Olabanji attributed the delay in payment to a lack of funds.
However, he assured staff that the hospital would begin settling outstanding arrears following the recent increase in government subvention.
He noted that the additional funding would not only help resolve salary issues but would also support the hospital in pursuing critical developmental projects.
