On Thursday, nurses at Ogun State Hospital in Ijaye, Abeokuta, organized a protest against the alleged assault of a final-year nursing student by Dr. Nurudeen Adekunle, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the hospital. The incident occurred on September 24 when Dr. Adekunle reportedly slapped the student nurse in the theatre suite. Despite various attempts to seek redress from the hospital management and government, no action had been taken, prompting the protest. Nurses from throughout the state joined the demonstration, defying inclement weather to voice their grievances, emphasizing the need for respect and safety within their profession.
The protest was spearheaded by Adejoke Bello, the chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in Ogun State. Bello articulated that the demonstration aimed to express dissatisfaction with Dr. Adekunle’s behavior, labeling the action as an assault that violated public service regulations. Describing it as gross misconduct, Bello conveyed that such incidents should not occur irrespective of the circumstances. Although a peaceful resolution was sought prior to the protest—through written complaints to relevant authorities—the absence of any response or corrective action compelled the nurses to take to the streets in solidarity against bullying and mistreatment of healthcare professionals.
Amidst chants and placards expressing their demands—such as “End bullying of nurses,” and “Justice for nurses”—the nurses urged immediate action against Dr. Adekunle. They articulated their commitment to serving the community while asserting their right to a safe and respectful working environment. Bello indicated that the nurses were willing to return to work but demanded that the hospital management respond within a specified timeframe to address the issues raised. The protest was a clear indication of the collective stance of nurses against harassment and a plea for their grievances to be handled officially.
Echoing Bello’s sentiments, Lola Idowu Falujo, the Unit Chairman of NANNM at the Ogun State Hospital, condemned Dr. Adekunle’s actions as unacceptable and against public service rules. Falujo highlighted the contributions of nurses to the healthcare system and their commitment to patient care, emphasizing that they should not be subjected to any form of assault. She pointed out that Dr. Adekunle not only assaulted the student but also threatened repercussions should the incident come to light. The lack of a timely response from hospital management after attempts to reach out only heightened the nurses’ frustrations, leading to their strong statement against bullying.
The protest brought significant attention to the larger issue of workplace bullying within healthcare, especially against those in junior positions. The nurses asserted their right to dignity and safety in their working environment, sending a clear message that such conduct must be addressed appropriately. They sought to engage with authorities to ensure that this incident would not be overlooked, advocating for strict adherence to public service regulations to foster a respectful workplace culture.
In response to the protests, Dr. Mrs. Olayinka Elemide, the Permanent Secretary of the Hospital Management Board, addressed the demonstrators, assuring them that the government is aware of the situation and is taking steps to ensure due process is observed. Her acknowledgment of the issue reflects the importance of maintaining a conducive working environment for healthcare professionals. The government’s involvement is crucial in this matter, as it not only seeks justice for the assaulted nurse but also establishes a framework to prevent future incidents of this nature, thereby fostering a safer work environment for all healthcare workers.
