By Damilola Adeleke

On Friday, staff members of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) staged a protest at the hospital’s administrative building, demanding the immediate payment of their outstanding arrears.

The protest comes despite recent efforts by Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who has twice increased the hospital’s financial support. However, workers claim that the hospital’s management has not distributed the funds accordingly.

A staff representative, Kumuyi Oluwatimileyin, alleged that the Chief Medical Director, Professor Kayode Olabanji, received a subvention of over N94 million from the state government but failed to disburse the money for workers’ welfare, especially the March minimum wage arrears.

Another protester, Olubolade Ogunleye, expressed disappointment over the management’s handling of palliatives and other benefits meant for staff. According to her, “The government provided support to the hospital, but workers have not received anything. We are suffering. They prioritize projects over staff welfare, which is unfair. Pay us first so we can contribute meaningfully.”

In response to the demonstration, Prof. Olabanji cited a lack of funds as the reason for the delay but assured workers that payments would begin following the latest boost in government subvention. He emphasized that the increased funding would help settle outstanding salaries and aid the hospital’s development plans.