A group of healthcare professionals under the umbrella of the Elegant Nurses Forum has accused the Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, of harassment, abuse of power, and fostering a toxic work environment. This follows a distressing incident involving a student nurse who reportedly attempted suicide after facing verbal abuse and suspension.
In a press statement released Saturday and signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the group condemned what it described as “repressive” leadership under the Medical Director. The statement was made available to Chronicles Reporters and details the troubling experience of a student, Seyi Ogunjobi, from the School of Mental Health Nursing/Post-Basic Psychiatry at the hospital.
According to the nurses’ forum, Ogunjobi’s mental health deteriorated after being verbally assaulted and suspended from school. Just days before his final examination, he was allegedly removed from the ward by security personnel acting on the directive of the Medical Director, a move the group called “cruel, inhumane, and unjustifiable.”
The nurses accused the Medical Director of using his position to intimidate healthcare workers and silence opposition within the hospital. They further claimed that students and staff operate under an atmosphere of fear, alleging that the MD enjoys protection from influential individuals within government circles, shielding him from accountability.
“The Elegant Nurses Forum feels compelled to raise public awareness about the unacceptable working conditions at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro. These conditions, orchestrated by the Medical Director, have instilled fear and hostility among both staff and students,” the statement reads.
They added, “We find it deeply disturbing that a student nurse, after enduring repeated threats and public embarrassment, was suspended and then forcibly ejected from his ward—actions that contributed to his suicide attempt. These are not the values that healthcare institutions should uphold.”
The Forum expressed grave concern that continued abuse and intimidation could lead to further mental breakdowns among staff or students. They directly held the MD responsible for any future harm to healthcare workers under his administration.
In a dramatic appeal, the group reached out to international bodies, including the International Council of Nurses (ICN), and urged foreign governments, particularly in the United States and Europe, to issue travel sanctions and visa bans against the Medical Director.
They said, “We are calling for the intervention of the ICN and urging embassies in North America and Europe to blacklist the Medical Director. His repeated abuse of power and disregard for human dignity must no longer go unchecked.”
“We call on the global nursing community and civil society to join us in demanding justice, fairness, and a safe working environment. Nurses deserve to work in institutions free from fear, intimidation, and mental harm,” the group concluded.
In response to the allegations, hospital management has taken steps to investigate the matter. A panel was constituted, and according to a statement by the Medical Director and Provost of the institution, Dr. Paul Agboola, disciplinary measures have already been enforced.
Dr. Agboola disclosed that Dr. Olayinka Majekodunmi, the Head of Clinical Services, was issued a strong warning letter after admitting to using offensive language during a heated exchange with the student nurse. The language included phrases like “you’re stupid, you’re a bastard,” though no physical assault was proven.
“The panel, which I chaired, included senior officials such as Mrs. Florence Oladeji (Head of Administration), Dr. Sunday Amosu (Research and Training), and Dr. Taiwo Omirin (Principal, School of Psychiatric Nursing), among others,” Agboola said.
He narrated that the incident occurred during a ward round on June 30, 2025, when Ogunjobi offered a chair to another student nurse instead of Dr. Majekodunmi, leading to an altercation. The doctor reportedly responded with offensive language, and Ogunjobi claimed he was also physically assaulted.
However, during the panel hearing, Dr. Majekodunmi brought 12 witnesses who all denied that physical violence took place. Although he admitted using abusive words out of anger, there was no corroboration for the physical assault claim. The student nurse, supported by only one witness, failed to provide sufficient evidence, as even his witness could not confirm whether any physical assault occurred.
“For admitting to verbal misconduct, Dr. Majekodunmi received a formally documented warning. The student nurse, on the other hand, was placed on a short-term suspension due to contradictions in his testimony and lack of concrete evidence,” Agboola added.
He clarified that the suspension was intended to correct, not punish. “This is a brief suspension of one or two days and will not affect the student’s progression in school,” he explained.
Dr. Agboola further revealed that the father of the student had contacted the hospital, expressing appreciation for the way management handled the matter and pleading for clemency for his son.
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