The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, is reportedly planning to transfer a staff member, Ajayi Adebowale Alaba, to the facility's Joga-Orile annex amid allegations of sexual assault against student nurses from the Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences. The proposed transfer has raised concerns among individuals familiar with the matter, who fear it may hinder a proper investigation into the allegations.
According to a source, the management of FMC Abeokuta is considering the transfer as a way to shield Ajayi from scrutiny over the allegations. The source revealed that the Head of Nursing Services at FMC Abeokuta is behind the plan to transfer Ajayi to Joga Orile Health Centre, an annex of the Federal Medical Centre. This move has sparked fears of a potential cover-up.
The allegations against Ajayi concern incidents involving student nurses from the Ogun State College of Nursing Sciences, who were undertaking clinical training at FMC Abeokuta. The Student Union Government (SUG) of the Ogun State College of Nursing, Abeokuta, had petitioned the management of FMC Abeokuta over two separate allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual conduct involving student nurses during their clinical posting at the hospital.
The petition, dated September 25, 2026, was submitted to the Medical Director of FMC Abeokuta, through the Head of Clinical Services, Director of Nursing Services, and Head of the Education Unit. The complaints arose from incidents involving hospital personnel at the Male Medical Ward on September 23 and 24, 2026. The affected students personally brought the allegations to the attention of the SUG, which then formally documented and escalated the complaints.
One of the complaints was made by Okonkwo Goodness Chinecherem, a student of the Ogun State College of Nursing, who reported being subjected to inappropriate sexual conduct during her night duty at the Male Medical Ward on September 24, 2026. She stated that Ajayi approached her and touched her without her consent while she was sleeping during her break.
Ajayi, when contacted by SaharaReporters, did not directly confirm or deny the allegations. Instead, he mentioned that he had been instructed to consult a psychiatrist over a health problem. He confirmed that discussions were ongoing concerning his transfer to Joga-Orile, but explained that he had also been trying to see a specialist at the facility.
The development has raised concerns over the safety and welfare of student nurses undergoing clinical postings in healthcare facilities, where they are expected to receive practical training under professional supervision. The incident has also sparked fears over the potential consequences of transferring staff members accused of misconduct to other facilities, rather than addressing the allegations directly.
Key points
- FMC Abeokuta plans to transfer staff member accused of sexually assaulting student nurses to annex.
- The proposed transfer has raised concerns over potential cover-up and hinderance of proper investigation.
- The incident has sparked fears over the safety and welfare of student nurses undergoing clinical postings in healthcare facilities.
