…Workers Union kicks against shortlisting, screening of unqualified personnel
The bid to disregard the advertised guidelines for the appointment of new Director of Administration for the Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta, has been causing ripples and disquiet among the workers Union in the health facility, with the Union accusing the management of the FMC of putting forward a less qualified individual for the position.
They accused the Medical Director of trying to manipulate a less qualified staff and an unqualified personnel to occupy the vacant position.
Already it was gathered that the Joint Action Committee (JAC) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, has expressed concern over the qualifications of one Mrs. O. F. Tajudeen-Oyesiji for the position of Director of Administration.
The Union alleged that shortlisting of Tajudeen-Oyesiji for the position of Director of Administration in the health facility is an epitome of an ugly face of many absurdities that have characterized the Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta since the administration of Professor Musa Olomu.
The workers Unions which comprises of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), complaints of massive manipulation, lack of the required number of years of post-qualification working experience, and others, which it claim is essential for the effective discharge of the responsibilities associated with the role.
Part of the reasons adduced by those opposed to her appoints was that Mrs Tajudeen Oyesiji could not have attained a 20 year needed to qualify for the position because according to her records, she was employed by the Administration of former Medical Director of the Centre Late Dr T.O Motayo, and she allegedly resumed duty on 1st August, 2005.
It was also gathered that she’s not a member of Association of Health Administration of Nigeria, another prerequisite to occupy the position of Director of Administration in the Hospital.
Prior to the screen exercise conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health last Thursday, the Union and some stakeholders put forward their protest against the alleged manipulation calling for total adherence to the advertised criteria.
In a letter addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, the JAC, which represents the two bodies urged the screening team to adhere strictly to the advertised qualifications.
The letter, signed by the Branch Chairmen of NANNM and SSAUTHRIAI, referenced the job advertisement for the position of Director of Administration at FMC Abeokuta, dated August 19, 2024.
According to the advertisement, candidates for the role must possess a minimum of 20 years of post-qualification experience in a government establishment, a criterion that JAC claims Mrs. Tajudeen-Oyesiji fails to meet.
“We have confirmed that Mrs. Tajudeen-Oyesiji has not accumulated the requisite 20 years of experience as indicated in the advertisement,” the letter stated.
“This discrepancy has led many senior members of her department, who would have applied, to refrain from doing so.”
The JAC emphasized that the lack of sufficient experience could impede Mrs. Tajudeen-Oyesiji’s ability to effectively manage the responsibilities of the role, warning that her selection could compromise the performance standards expected from the position.
Furthermore, the committee called for the screening process to be transparent and aligned with the stipulations in the job advertisement to maintain the integrity of the selection process and ensure due diligence.
“We urge the screening team to consider only those applicants who meet the advertised criteria, particularly the required years of experience,” the JAC stated.
The committee reiterated its commitment to providing further information and support to ensure that the recruitment process follows the established guidelines.
This development adds to ongoing concerns about the transparency and fairness of recruitment procedures at FMC Abeokuta, as well as the potential impact on staff morale and operational efficiency.
All efforts by Our Correspondent to get the reactions of the Hospital Spokesperson, Segun Orisajo proved abortive as calls put across to his mobile line were not connected.
