The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has petitioned the Minister of Health and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of retirement fraud, abuse of office, and financial misconduct involving the Head of Nursing Services at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
The petition, dated and signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide on behalf of the forum, stated that the action was taken in the public interest and in accordance with the Public Service Rules, Federal Civil Service Regulations, and Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws.
According to ENF, the officer at the centre of the allegations proceeded on terminal leave in 2025 and was due for statutory retirement on January 9, 2026, after reaching the mandatory retirement age. However, the forum alleged that the officer has refused to disengage from service and continues to occupy the office of Head of Nursing Services at LUTH without legal authority.
“The officer has passed her statutory retirement date but continues to unlawfully retain the office, in clear violation of public service rules,” the petition stated.
ENF further accused the officer of compelling nurses under her supervision to contribute money towards a proposed retirement or send-forth ceremony. The forum alleged that the contributions were made under pressure, with nurses fearing victimisation, intimidation, or punitive postings if they refused to comply.
The forum also claimed that the retirement ceremony never took place and that the funds collected were allegedly diverted for personal use, including the organisation of a private birthday celebration. ENF stated that no formal account was rendered and no refunds have been made to contributors.
Additionally, the forum referenced a Federal Government circular on extension of service years, noting that such extensions require a formal application to the Ministry of Health, a medical fitness certificate, and compliance with a three-month notice period. ENF alleged that the officer failed to meet these conditions, rendering any continued stay in office unlawful.
The petition raised key questions, including whether an officer who has proceeded on terminal leave and passed the statutory retirement date can lawfully remain in office, and whether coercing subordinates to make financial contributions amounts to abuse of office and financial misconduct.
ENF warned that the alleged actions have negatively affected staff morale, created fear and psychological distress among nurses, undermined administrative order at LUTH, deprived qualified unemployed nurses of job opportunities, and brought the nursing profession into disrepute.
The forum called on the Minister of Health and the ICPC to take immediate action, including the disengagement of the officer in line with public service rules, an independent investigation into the alleged financial misconduct, refund of all monies collected under coercion, and appropriate disciplinary or legal action where necessary. ENF also demanded that retired officers be replaced with qualified unemployed nurses in accordance with government employment policies.
According to the petitioners, the petition was submitted in good faith and in the interest of accountability, justice, and the integrity of Nigeria’s public health service.
