Considering doing your housejob at Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH)? Here’s a full breakdown of accommodation, salary, work environment, and lifestyle.
Location & Address
Physical Address: 18–58 Ayaba Umueze Road, Abayi, Aba, Abia State
General Location: Aba North, Abia State, Nigeria
Accessibility:
Very easy to access, with good-quality roads and little traffic.
Main transport within Aba is by Keke.
By road or train if you’re coming from Port Harcourt.
Accommodation
Status: Available but limited. New house officers may stay 2–3 months without a room and often sleep in call rooms during this period.
Capacity: About 4 HOQs with 8 rooms, plus 3 resident quarters where some HOs are housed.
Setup: Self-contained (room, kitchen, bathroom), usually one person per room.
Room Features:
Size: Comfortable, some tiled, some carpeted.
AC: None (you can install your own).
Bathroom: Yes, with water supply (no heater).
Kitchen: Sink and food storage slabs.
Furnishing: Bed, mattress, pillows, bed frame, table, and chair.
Power Supply: Very stable (~97%). No electricity bills.
Allocation: By assignment, request, or sometimes connection.
Caution Fee: None.
Selection Process
Recruitment is by interview organized by the CMAC.
Tip: Always bring original, coloured copies of your documents. Black-and-white photocopies can reduce your chances.
Salary & Allowances
Monthly Salary: ₦265,500 (recently increased to ₦350,000+).
Payment Date: Irregular, with possible delays.
Other Benefits: None.
Lifestyle & Social Life
Location: Central, but not many hangout spots nearby. With ₦100–₦500 you can reach good restaurants, supermarkets, or malls.
Nearby Attractions:
Supermarkets: Market Square, Jovit Mall, other local marts.
Restaurants: Crunchies, Domino’s, Kilimanjaro, Chicken Republic, Jovit, Ibiza, Chopsaholic, Smoky Hut, and more.
Cinema: Cine21 (main option in Aba).
Nightlife: Very lively—clubs, restaurants, and hangout spots are plentiful.
Markets: Large markets around for food and essentials.
Work Environment
Orientation: Usually conducted by the CMD and CMAC.
Responsibilities:
Ward rounds (stress depends on department).
IV access is done by house officers.
Nurses give oral drugs, doctors prescribe.
Post-round mop-ups with seniors are common.
Staff Culture:
Doctors: Very supportive.
Nurses: Some initial attitude, but once you prove competence and mutual respect, they become cooperative.
Key Tip: Availability is everything—be present, responsive, and proactive.
Food Options
Inside Hospital:
Mini restaurants with affordable meals.
“Call food” available for order.
Around Hospital:
Numerous bukas and snack kiosks close by.
Delivery services available.
Outside Hospital:
Variety of fast food and fine dining within short distance.
Key Takeaway
Housemanship at ABSUTH is a rewarding experience:
Comfortable self-contained accommodation (though limited).
Stable power supply.
Supportive medical team and lively city life.
Salary recently increased but may come late.
Above all, relationships matter—connections you make today can open doors tomorrow.
By Dr. Glory Dandison