‘Pay N25,000 or else’: Ondo nurses protest alleged compulsory contributions for leaders’ retirement parties

Nurses under the Ondo State Health Service Commission are protesting alleged attempts by an apex nursing body to compel them to make monetary contributions towards retirement celebrations and parties for senior nursing leaders — with one programme scheduled for December 18, 2026, reportedly requiring N25,000 per nurse, SaharaReporters reports.

Sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said growing anger had erupted among nurses over what they described as coercive collection of funds that should be entirely voluntary.

“It is wrong to enforce contributions when people are supposed to voluntarily celebrate and honour leaders who are beneficial to Nurses and the Nursing profession,” one source said. “Contributions should be voluntary, not imposed, coerced, or enforced.”

The controversy prompted a formal response from Health Service Commission official Dr. Ololade Fadipe, who confirmed the Commission had received information about the coercive practices and distanced the body from the alleged collections.

“HSC does not solicit for funds from our hospitals to hold parties for staff. No staff should be forced to make contributions to individual celebrations. Donations, if sought, should be voluntary,” Fadipe stated, urging any nurse feeling pressured to report directly to her.

A separate concern has also emerged over a reported plan to deploy Community Health Extension Workers to government hospitals — a move health professionals say raises significant legal, regulatory and patient safety questions.