Akwa Ibom to administer oath on health workers to prevent ‘Japa’

The Akwa Ibom State government has introduced a new policy requiring medical trainees to take an oath, ensuring they fulfill a service bond before leaving the state.

This move is part of the government’s effort to address the ongoing issue of medical professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities commonly known as ‘Japa.

The announcement was made by the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, in Uyo over the weekend.

According to Essien, the state government plans to recruit 600 medical professionals and 100 occupational safety officers to work in the newly established Department of Occupational Safety in the Office of the Head of Service.

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“Every person that government is sending out on training now is bonded to serve the government for a period that government would have recovered the investment on their training,” Essien said. “The bonding is a very serious issue now, so none of them will escape. For the medical doctors, we go as far as the Medical Council that usually gives clearance for any professional who is travelling out of the country. So, if we send your name that government has trained you, you are under bond to serve the government, so the Medical Council will not allow such a person travel out again,” he added.

Additionally, the Head of Civil Service revealed that the state government has disbursed N60 billion out of the over N90 billion owed to its workforce in unpaid gratuities, promotions, and other arrears.

This, he said , reflects the government’s commitment to worker welfare, as outlined by Governor Umo Eno, who has prioritized the financial well-being of both active and retired civil servants.

He said Governor Eno’s administration has also made significant strides in clearing long-standing debts, and the release of N500 million monthly for pension contributions has also been a key part of these efforts.

“Governor Umo Eno has proven that workers’ welfare is not just a campaign promise but a practical commitment,” Essien remarked. “The productivity index across ministries has significantly improved as a result.”
Essien also noted that the administration is diligently addressing past neglect and building a sustainable structure for the future.