The management of the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Akure (FUTATH), has pledged to prosecute any staff member found to be involved in an alleged employment racketeering scheme associated with the hospital.
The hospital made the commitment in a statement issued by its Head of Public Relations, Mr. Tope Fayehun, who alleged that certain individuals posing as officials of the institution collected money from job seekers with false promises of securing automatic employment at the newly established federal teaching hospital.
According to Fayehun, the alleged fraudsters demanded between ₦200,000 and ₦600,000 from unsuspecting applicants before issuing them fake appointment letters purportedly originating from the former University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Teaching Hospital, Akure.
He explained that available information indicated that several victims paid substantial amounts in anticipation of being employed, only to later discover that the appointment letters were fraudulent.
Fayehun added that some of the affected individuals, whose identities were not disclosed, have begun demanding refunds after realizing they would not be automatically absorbed into the federal establishment as earlier promised.
The hospital spokesperson further alleged that the current agitation by organised labour might not be based entirely on workers’ welfare but could be linked to efforts by individuals connected to the alleged scam to divert attention from the accusations.
He explained that the transition from the former institution to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital is being implemented in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government.
According to him, the agreement does not provide for the automatic absorption of all employees of the former institution into the new federal establishment.
Fayehun stressed that the hospital’s management could not disregard Federal Government employment regulations or abandon due process in response to external pressure.
He called on organised labour to carefully review the facts surrounding the matter before supporting campaigns against the hospital, emphasizing that labour unions should focus on protecting workers’ legitimate interests rather than becoming platforms for advancing personal interests or shielding alleged wrongdoing.
The management also stated that it would pursue legal action against anyone found to have participated in the alleged employment scam and would fully cooperate with law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies by providing relevant information to support investigations.
Reaffirming the institution’s commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance, Fayehun said FUTATH remains committed to developing a world-class tertiary healthcare institution founded on merit, due process and the rule of law.
He also appealed to members of staff, labour unions, stakeholders and the general public to support ongoing efforts to establish the facts and allow the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.
