UUTH Resident Doctors Back NARD Strike
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) has resolved to join the nationwide strike declared by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), effective Monday, January 12, 2026.
The decision was announced in a communiqué released following an emergency general meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday. The communiqué was endorsed by the ARD President, Dr Ekomobong Udoh, and General Secretary, Dr Kenneth Ikott.
According to the statement, members of the congress will undertake a peaceful protest by 9am on Monday within UUTH premises, in full compliance with NARD directives.
Strike Tagged TICS 2.0: ‘No Implementation, No Going Back’
Dr Udoh explained that the industrial action, tagged TICS (Total, Indefinite and Comprehensive Strike) 2.0, follows the Federal Government’s failure to fully implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with resident doctors in November 2025.
“The centre fully supports the implementation of the NARD NEC meeting resolutions. The congress immediately agreed to participate in the NARD TIC 2.0 from 12 noon on Monday, in line with the NEC directive, and will undertake a peaceful protest by 9am on Monday within the UUTH premises,” the communiqué read.
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The strike will only be suspended after the full implementation of the minimum demands listed by the association.
Resident Doctors’ Key Demands
Dr Udoh outlined several critical demands driving the strike:
Reinstatement of the FTH Lokoja Five
Payment of promotion and salary arrears
Full implementation of the professional allowance table, with arrears reflected in the 2026 budget
Official clarification on skipping and entry-level issues by the Federal Ministry of Health
Reintroduction and implementation of Specialist Allowance
Resolution of house officers’ salary delays and arrears, including issuance of a pay advisory
Recategorisation of membership certificates and issuance of certificates after Part I by the NPMCN
Commencement of locum and work-hours regulation committees
Resumption and timely conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement process
“No Implementation, No Going Back” remains the rallying slogan for the TICS 2.0 strike.
Why This Matters
The participation of UUTH resident doctors in the nationwide strike highlights ongoing tensions between medical professionals and the Federal Government, emphasizing the urgent need for policy implementation and improved working conditions in Nigeria’s health sector.
The strike is expected to impact hospital operations nationwide, drawing attention to critical healthcare issues affecting service delivery.
