The Akwa Ibom State Government has asked its medical trainees to take a binding oath to serve the state before pursuing opportunities abroad.
This new policy, which aims to protect the state’s significant investment in the training of medical professionals, was announced by the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, in Uyo over the weekend.
The move comes as the state grapples with the rising tide of skilled workers leaving Nigeria for better prospects— a phenomenon commonly referred to as “Japa.”
Essien revealed that all medical trainees sponsored by the state will now be bound by a formal contract to serve in Akwa Ibom for a period sufficient to allow the government to recoup its investment in their education.
Under this new system, medical professionals will no longer be able to freely migrate abroad without fulfilling their commitment to the state.
“The bonding is serious now; it is a matter of accountability,” Essien declared, adding that the state would work closely with the Medical Council of Nigeria to ensure that no bonded healthcare professional is granted clearance to leave the country without serving the state first.
In addition to the new bonding policy, the state government has also announced plans to recruit 600 new medical personnel and 100 occupational safety officers for the newly created Department of Occupational Safety in the Office of the Head of Service.
This expansion is seen as part of the broader strategy to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure and address manpower shortages.
Essien emphasized that these measures are necessary to curb the ongoing drain of trained professionals and ensure that the state can benefit from its investment in their education.
He pointed out that these efforts are critical to preserving the quality of healthcare in Akwa Ibom, as well as securing long-term economic growth.
The announcement came alongside a broader update on the state’s financial commitments to its workers.
Essien confirmed that Akwa Ibom has disbursed N60 billion of the over N90 billion owed in gratuities, promotions, and other arrears to its civil service personnel.
Governor Umo Eno has consistently prioritized the welfare of state workers, including the release of N500 million monthly to clear pension backlogs.
“Governor Umo Eno has shown that workers’ welfare is not just a promise, but a practical, ongoing commitment,” Essien noted, highlighting improvements in productivity across ministries as a direct result of the administration’s worker-focused policies.
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