Medical interns at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, in Enugu State have staged a peaceful protest to demand the full payment of their salaries and allowances, following alleged persistent deductions that have left them receiving only 75% of their entitled pay.
The protesting interns include young doctors, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, and other allied health professionals currently undergoing their mandatory internship programs at the federal teaching hospital.
Interns Demand Fair Treatment, Say “We’re Not Asking for a Raise”
Holding placards and chanting in unison, the interns gathered at the hospital premises, decrying what they described as unfair and unjustified salary cuts. They emphasized that their demands are not for a salary increment, but for the full and rightful disbursement of their already approved earnings.
“We are not asking for bonuses or extra allowances,” one protester stated. “We only want what is due to us our full monthly salaries without unexplained deductions.”
Multiple videos and photographs circulating on social media captured the intensity of the demonstration, showing interns with bold inscriptions such as "Pay Us Our Full Salaries," "Internship Is Work, Not Charity," and "CMD, Hear Our Cry."
A Broader Pattern of Intern Exploitation
This protest sheds light on a larger, systemic issue facing medical interns across Nigeria, many of whom routinely endure delayed payments, underpayment, and lack of basic workplace protections, despite contributing significantly to hospital operations.
Healthcare observers have warned that such patterns not only demoralize young professionals but also risk compromising the quality of care patients receive in public hospitals.
The UNTH protest mirrors earlier disputes at the institution, notably the 2015 strike by resident doctors, which was also sparked by unpaid allowances and poor welfare conditions an incident that led to widespread service disruptions and a temporary shutdown of key hospital departments.
Federal Government Responds, Promises Action
In response to the growing unrest, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, assured the interns that their grievances have been noted and that the outstanding payments would be made in full. He further guaranteed that no intern will face punitive action or victimization for participating in the peaceful protest.
“We recognize the value and sacrifices of our interns. I want to assure you that your concerns are valid and will be addressed swiftly,” Dr. Salako said.
Looking Ahead
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the UNTH management and the Federal Ministry of Health to see whether they will follow through on the promises made. Interns say they will continue to monitor the response closely and may escalate their demands if the issue persists.
The case at UNTH has drawn the attention of professional bodies, civil society groups, and concerned Nigerians, who see it as a test case for broader reform in Nigeria’s healthcare training and compensation system.
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