JOHESU UCH To Resume Work Monday After 84-Day Strike
Workers Set to Resume After Nearly Three Months
HEALTHCARE services at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, are set to resume on Monday following the suspension of the 84-day strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The decision was confirmed by the Chairman of JOHESU at UCH, Comrade Oladayo Olabampe, during an interview in Ibadan on Saturday. According to him, the directive to return to work followed a resolution reached between the union’s national leadership and the Federal Government.
Strike Suspension Follows Conciliation Talks
Olabampe explained that the strike was suspended after a conciliation meeting held with the Federal Government on Thursday, which resulted in the signing of a term of settlement between both parties.
JOHESU UCH had embarked on the strike on 17 November 2025, in compliance with a directive from its national body. The industrial action was triggered by the government’s failure to meet the union’s longstanding demands, particularly the upward adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Scale (CONHESS).
The strike, which lasted almost three months, severely disrupted healthcare delivery at UCH, one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary health institutions, leaving patients and their families grappling with limited medical services.
Congress to Precede Resumption
The JOHESU UCH Chairman disclosed that members of the union would officially resume duties after holding a congress scheduled for very early Monday morning.
“The congress will brief members on the outcome of the negotiations and the terms of settlement reached before work resumes fully,” Olabampe said.
He noted that one of the key issues discussed during the negotiations was the non-payment of workers’ January salaries, which was withheld due to the Federal Government’s “no work, no pay” policy.
‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy Addressed
According to Olabampe, the suspension of the strike was largely influenced by the government’s agreement to withdraw the “no work, no pay” circular.
“Our January salary was not paid because of the ‘no work, no pay’ policy,” he said. “However, part of the agreement signed is that the circular should be withdrawn and January salary should be paid as soon as the strike has been suspended.”
He expressed optimism that the implementation of the agreement would restore confidence among health workers and prevent a repeat of prolonged industrial actions.
Union Leadership Commends Members
Olabampe commended members of JOHESU UCH for their unity and commitment throughout the strike period, describing their participation as instrumental to the outcome achieved.
“Thank you for being part of the success story; history will never forget your efforts,” he said. “Raise your heads in pride, having been able to prove that without you, there is no UCH.”
With the suspension of the strike, patients and residents of Ibadan are hopeful that normal healthcare services will be restored promptly.
