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The Federal Government has approved the recruitment of 1,200 staff for the newly-established Ondo Federal Teaching Hospital. The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Olusegun Ojo, made this announcement while briefing journalists on the activities of the hospital. The recruitment is part of efforts to ensure a hitch-free takeoff of operations at the hospital. According to Ojo, more than 800 approved workers were captured during the first biometric enrolment exercise held in June. However, a mop-up exercise took place in Abuja on July 9 for those who missed the initial exercise due to communication network and fingerprint-related challenges.

The Chief Medical Director, Olusegun Ojo, has a wealth of experience in the medical field. Before joining the hospital, Ojo worked as a consultant physician at the Akure General Hospital. His appointment as the Chief Medical Director of the FUTATH was announced in 2022. Ojo's vision is to improve the quality of healthcare services at the hospital. According to him, the hospital will start paying its staff salaries under the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) in August.

One of the major challenges facing the hospital is the lack of office accommodation, medical equipment, and clinical space. The hospital has begun strengthening its clinical workforce by attracting experienced physicians, surgeons, nurses, and other health workers from other teaching hospitals across the country. Ojo expressed optimism that the take-off grant of the hospital and other federal interventions would improve infrastructure and service delivery. He emphasized that he is committed to ensuring that all staff are placed on the payroll as soon as possible because the Ondo State Government has been bearing the burden of paying salaries under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) until the Federal Teaching Hospital assumes full responsibility.

The hospital has been at the center of controversy recently due to misinformation and false expectations created by some individuals who misled workers and job seekers into believing that everyone in the former hospital would automatically become federal employees. However, the MoU clearly stipulated that only workers found suitable after assessment would be absorbed. Ojo maintained that the transition process had been conducted fairly and in accordance with federal guidelines.

The Ondo State Government has been working closely with the Federal Government to ensure a smooth transition. The government has been paying the salaries of the hospital staff under the terms of the MoU. According to sources, the Federal Government has assured the state government that the hospital will assume full responsibility for paying salaries in August.

The hospital's takeoff grant is expected to improve infrastructure and service delivery. The grant will be used to purchase medical equipment, build new facilities, and hire more staff. Ojo expressed optimism that the hospital will meet its objectives and provide quality healthcare services to residents of Ondo State.

The hospital's recruitment drive is expected to boost the economy of Ondo State. The hospital will create employment opportunities for hundreds of individuals, who will earn a living and contribute to the growth of the state's economy.

According to Ojo, the hospital will begin operating with a total of over 2,000 workers. The hospital will provide quality healthcare services to residents of Ondo State and surrounding communities. Ojo emphasized that the hospital will work closely with the Ondo State Government to ensure a smooth transition and improve the quality of healthcare services.

The Federal Government's decision to recruit more staff for the hospital is a welcome development. The recruitment drive will boost the hospital's capacity to provide quality healthcare services to residents of Ondo State. Ojo expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its support and assured the public that the hospital will meet its objectives and provide quality healthcare services.

### Key Facts

  • 1,200 staff to be recruited for the Ondo Federal Teaching Hospital
  • More than 800 workers were captured during the first biometric enrolment exercise
  • A mop-up exercise was held in Abuja on July 9 for those who missed the initial exercise
  • The hospital will start paying its staff salaries under the IPPIS in August 2026
  • The Ondo State Government has been paying the salaries of the hospital staff under the MoU
  • The hospital's takeoff grant will be used to purchase medical equipment, build new facilities, and hire more staff