Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have urged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to immediately release the Medical Residency Training Fund and settle outstanding minimum wage arrears owed to doctors and other health workers.
The doctors said delays in releasing the training fund and unpaid wage obligations are worsening staff welfare challenges and threatening healthcare delivery in the state.
In an open letter issued on Monday, the Association of Resident Doctors acknowledged the Oyo State Government’s investments in healthcare infrastructure and service delivery but expressed concern over unresolved welfare issues affecting medical personnel.
The letter was signed by the association’s President, Dr Mustapha Adedapo, and General Secretary, Dr John Stephen.
According to the association, the non-release of the Medical Residency Training Fund has imposed significant financial pressure on resident doctors pursuing specialist medical training.
The doctors noted that the fund, established under the Medical Residency Training Act of 2017, is intended to support postgraduate medical education and professional development.
They said Oyo remains the only state in South-West Nigeria yet to implement the fund for eligible resident doctors.
The association warned that the delay has contributed to growing dissatisfaction among healthcare workers and increased migration of doctors to other institutions and countries offering better remuneration.
Critical departments such as Anaesthesia and Chemical Pathology have reportedly experienced shortages due to poor welfare conditions.
The doctors argued that releasing the fund would improve staff welfare, boost morale and strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
According to the association, transportation costs and household expenses have significantly reduced workers’ purchasing power.
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