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 malpractice in its recent promotion exercise.
In a petition addressed to the Acting Medical Director and obtained by OgunToday from an insider, the union alleged that several qualified staff members were unfairly denied promotion, while others with equal or lesser qualifications were elevated without following proper procedures.
The letter, 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 conduct of the exercise.
The union cited the case of Comrade Obabiyi Basheer, who was reportedly denied promotion to the position of 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 group also questioned inconsistencies in the career progression of some administrative officers, noting 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.
The union 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.
“Such irregularities erode trust, lower staff morale, and threaten industrial peace within the institution,” the statement added.
SSAUTHRIAI therefore called on the management to:
- Review and correct all affected promotion cases without delay;
- Ensure promotion standards are applied fairly across departments; and
- End favoritism and bias in personnel administration.
The union warned that failure to address its grievances promptly would force it to escalate the matter publicly and mobilise members, the media, and oversight bodies to expose what it described as an act of 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, OgunToday learned that the union’s leadership, led by Comrade Basheer Ayobamiji Obabiyi, staged a peaceful protest on Friday morning within the hospital premises to express their dissatisfaction.
Responding to the allegations, Dr. Shared Adediran, the Acting Managing Director of FMC Abeokuta, confirmed receipt of the petition and said management would issue an official response after consulting with the Director of Administration.
Similarly, the Director of Administration, Mr. Kehinde Apanisile, acknowledged receiving the complaint.
“A copy of the letter was received today, and the hospital management is already reviewing the matter,” Apanisile said. “We assure all staff that due process will be followed and the issue will be handled in accordance with civil service regulations.”
