The Akwa Ibom State government has announced that it has introduced a bonding agreement with its medical trainees to safeguard its investment and curb the trend of brain drain.
According to the government, it is now mandatory for all medical professionals trained under its sponsorship to serve the state for a stipulated period before seeking opportunities abroad. The Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, disclosed this over the weekend in Uyo.
Essien revealed that the state plans to recruit 600 medical personnel and 100 occupational safety officers into the newly established Department of Occupational Safety within the Office of the Head of Service.
“Anyone sponsored for training by the government will now be bonded to serve for a duration sufficient to recoup the investment made in their education,” he said. “The bonding process is rigorous. For medical doctors, we even liaise with the Medical Council to ensure no trained personnel leaves the country without fulfilling their bond obligations.”
He added that the government would notify the Medical Council of any bonded individual attempting to travel abroad, thereby preventing them from leaving without completing their service.
Essien also announced that the state has so far disbursed N60 billion out of over N90 billion owed in gratuities, promotions, and other arrears. He emphasized that Governor Umo Eno has made workers’ welfare a top priority since assuming office 23 months ago, as shown by the consistent release of funds to settle long-standing debts.
Highlighting further progress, he stated that the government has refunded the 7.5 percent contributory pension to 15 Local Education Authorities, and that Governor Eno has been releasing N500 million monthly toward clearing outstanding contributions.
“Governor Umo Eno has demonstrated that workers’ welfare is more than a campaign promise — it’s a practical commitment. The productivity across ministries has significantly improved as a result,” Essien said. “The administration is not just addressing past gaps but is building a sustainable structure for the future.”
Source : https://dailytrust.com/
