REJOINDER TO MISLEADING PUBLICATION ON PAYMENT OF SALARIES OF STAFF WORKING AT FUTA TEACHING HOSPITAL (FUTATH)
The attention of the Management of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Ondo (UNIMEDTH), has been drawn to a publication circulating in the media, credited to the Management of the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH), and published by Sunshine Truth Media and other news media wherein it was stated that:
“The Federal Government continues to invest substantial resources in its growth and remains responsible for the payment of staff salaries and other crucial obligations.”
This statement is entirely false, misleading and does not reflect the true position of events. For the avoidance of doubt, the Ondo State Government, through the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), has been solely responsible for the payment of salaries of staff working at FUTATH from the handover of the facility in October 2025 up to June 2026.
During this period, the Ondo State Government has expended over ₦2.3 billion on the payment of salaries and emoluments of staff currently working in FUTATH, despite the institution having been ceded to the Federal Government. This extraordinary financial commitment was made in good faith and in strict compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), pending the completion of the Federal Government’s staff verification and absorption process.
It is therefore incorrect and unfair for the Management of FUTATH to create the impression that the Federal Government has been responsible for the payment of these salaries throughout the period under reference. Such a claim undermines the enormous financial sacrifice made by the Ondo State Government and misrepresents facts that are easily verifiable.
UNIMEDTH remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the faithful implementation of the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding. We believe that public institutions owe the public a duty of truthfulness and accuracy in all official communications.
Accordingly, the Management of FUTATH is respectfully requested to immediately correct this misinformation in the interest of truth, fairness and public accountability.
The Ondo State Government deserves due recognition for the significant financial burden it has borne in sustaining the workforce of FUTATH during the transition period. Accurate information is essential to maintaining public confidence and fostering the cordial intergovernmental relationship necessary for the successful development of the institution.
Signed
Professor Michael Olumide Gbala
Chief Medical Director
University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital Ondo (UNIMEDTH).
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