OAUTHC Chief Medical Director Accuses Predecessor of Unlawful Recruitment

Abdulbasit Abdulkareem

Prof John Okeniyi, The Chief Medical Director of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), has accused his formrr CMD, Dr Olumuyiwa Owojuyigbe, of violating due process in the recruitment waiver approved for the hospital. Speaking at an online press conference on Friday, Okeniyi disclosed that a waiver to recruit 450 staff was obtained from the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

However, Okeniyi alleged that the previous administration had engaged in illegal recruitment, hiring a staggering 2,423 personnel instead of the approved 450. He claimed that the recruitment process lacked due diligence, with many appointed individuals not meeting basic qualifications or National Youth Service Corps requirements.

The CMD pointed out that the majority of the recruits had not been interviewed, and screening was conducted without valid applications. He asserted instances of abuse of womanhood and dehumanization through sexual favors during the recruitment process.

Okeniyi emphasized that 1,973 individuals were unlawfully recruited, adversely affecting the hospital's ability to capture, retain, and pay clinical staff, for whom the waiver was originally intended. He disclosed that Owojuyigbe and other officials involved had been suspended by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, has directed the hospital management to establish a Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee to address cases of illegal recruitment and job racketeering. The CMD vowed to uphold the directive and work with stakeholders to ensure quality healthcare services.

Okeniyi condemned the alleged illegalities, asserting that they tarnished the public image of the hospital and its dedicated staff. He therefore urged all stakeholders and the public to maintain decorum and civility while transacting lawful activities within the hospital complex.