The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) branch, has petitioned the House of Representatives Committee on Health over alleged irregularities in the process of appointing a new Chief Medical Director (CMD) for the institution.
The union is protesting against the ongoing selection process to succeed the current substantive CMD, Professor Uzoma Agwu, whose tenure is set to expire on 1 July 2026. In a formal letter of protest addressed to the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, the union leadership raised the alarm over what they described as critical deviations from established guidelines, due process, and principles of transparency.
According to the petition, which was signed by the DUFUTH MHWUN Branch Chairman, Comrade Ogbonna Uche Trevis, and Branch Secretary, Comrade Osuji Ifeanyi Chinenye, the current appointment process lacks the open competitive procedures standard for federal tertiary health institutions. Specifically, the union highlighted a total lack of transparency, noting that there has been no official advertisement or interviews conducted for the position. They equally alleged the exclusion of key internal stakeholders and an outright violation of statutory rules governing such appointments.
The petition contains that “The position of CMD is pivotal to the effective administration, clinical governance, and overall development of the hospital. Any process perceived as flawed or biased risks eroding trust, creating avoidable tension, and disrupting healthcare delivery.” While acknowledging the oversight authority of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the union maintained that as critical stakeholders, they cannot stay silent on actions that could undermine staff morale and institutional stability.
The body is therefore urging the House Committee and the Minister to order an immediate review of the current appointment process, ensure strict adherence to established guidelines, and promote fairness and inclusiveness in the selection procedure. The union emphasized that its intervention is guided purely by the desire to protect the institutional integrity of the teaching hospital and ensure the emergence of credible leadership. They, however, gave a warning regarding the peace of the institution should the issues remain ignored.
“We remain committed to maintaining industrial harmony and supporting all lawful efforts aimed at strengthening the health sector. However, we also reserve the right to pursue all legitimate avenues available to us should these concerns not be urgently addressed.” The House Committee on Health is expected to look into the petition as stakeholders await the July transition date.
