No fewer than 6,000 applicants have applied for 700 vacancies in the Delta State health sector, underscoring rising unemployment pressures and growing interest in government jobs.
Findings showed that the recruitment exercise, initiated by the Delta State Government through the Ministry of Health, has attracted overwhelming interest barely two weeks after it was announced.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed that the exercise was approved by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state, covering both medical and non-medical positions.
He linked the recruitment drive to recent upgrades in the state’s health infrastructure, including the elevation of the General Hospital, Warri, to a central hospital and the near completion of the Mother and Child Hospital in Ekpan.
A breakdown of the proposed deployment indicates that 295 personnel will be posted to the Hospital Management Board, while 120 will be absorbed by the Delta State University Teaching Hospital.
The newly established College of Health Technology, Ovrode, is expected to take 100 עובדים, while the Asaba Specialist Hospital and Warri Central Hospital will employ 60 and 12 staff respectively.
A senior official in the ministry, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said applications had approached 7,000, reflecting intense competition for the limited slots.
Confirming the figure, Onojaeme described the turnout as “overwhelming,” noting that the state could exceed its target for recruiting doctors due to improved remuneration packages.
He said, “With this approval, we may overshoot the number of doctors we intend to recruit. In terms of remuneration, Delta State is currently ahead of many states and even the Federal Government.”
The commissioner added that enhanced welfare packages would curb industrial disputes and reduce the frequency of strike actions by medical personnel.
However, he expressed concern over the relatively low number of medical doctors among the applicants, despite the high volume of submissions.
To address this gap and curb the persistent brain drain in the health sector, the state government has introduced a new incentive scheme tagged “MORE Special Allowance for Doctors.”
Under the scheme, medical doctors in the state will receive an additional ₦200,000 monthly tax-free allowance aimed at retaining existing professionals and attracting new ones.
Onojaeme said the initiative was part of broader efforts to counter the “Japa” phenomenon, which has seen a steady migration of Nigerian healthcare workers abroad.
He also warned applicants against engaging in fraudulent practices, stressing that the recruitment process would be strictly merit-based and free of financial inducements.
“The exercise is transparent. Candidates should disregard anyone demanding money, as the process will be conducted strictly on merit,” he added.
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