Housemanship Review: Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba

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