By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta unit, has strongly refuted what it calls “baseless and malicious” allegations by the Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
The dispute stems from an incident involving a nursing student and a senior medical doctor at the hospital. The NMA had accused the nurses of tarnishing the image of its members, threatening legal action, and blaming the association for strained inter-professional relations.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Oluwalegan N.O; Secretary, Comrade Olayemi S.A; and PRO, Comrade Adekanmbi O.T, the nurses accused the NMA of twisting facts about a series of incidents and trying to portray nurses as aggressors.
Citing an April 2025 dispute between a senior consultant and a Deputy Director of Nursing Services (DDNS), NANNM said the doctor had been found negligent after a 15-year-old patient fell from bed. According to the nurses, the DDNS followed global best practices by preparing intravenous medication and asking the doctor to verify it before administration a step the consultant allegedly mishandled.
They also criticised the NMA for resurrecting a previously dismissed case involving another DDNS, which the hospital had earlier ruled unfounded, praising the nurse’s 25 years of unblemished service.
On claims of nurses intimidating doctors, the association described the allegations as “laughable,” stating that it had repeatedly sought dialogue with hospital management including a formal meeting request in June but received no response.
The nurses further alleged victimisation of a psychiatric student nurse by the Head of Clinical Nurse Services, Dr. Majekodunmi, accusing him of verbal abuse, name-calling, and unjust suspension actions they labelled “abuse of power and mental harassment.”
They also faulted the composition of hospital investigative panels, claiming that senior nurses co-opted into the process were reduced to “mere observers” despite being key stakeholders.
NANNM urged the Ogun NMA to “stop propaganda and falsehood” and called on the Federal Ministry of Health, traditional rulers, and the public to press for transparent, inclusive leadership at the hospital.
“We remain committed to justice, professionalism, and inter professional collaboration for quality healthcare delivery,” the statement concluded.
