No fewer than 6,000 applicants have applied for just 700 available positions in Delta State’s health sector, highlighting intense competition for limited employment opportunities in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this during a media briefing in Asaba, noting that the recruitment exercise has attracted overwhelming interest from job seekers across the state and beyond.
Despite the high number of applicants, the commissioner expressed concern over the relatively low turnout of qualified medical doctors, a development he described as a reflection of the ongoing workforce shortage in the healthcare sector.
He explained that the state government, under the leadership of Sheriff Oborevwori, is taking deliberate steps to address the challenge, particularly through improved welfare packages aimed at attracting and retaining skilled professionals.
According to him, the disparity between the number of applicants and the availability of critical healthcare personnel underscores the need for sustained reforms in the sector.
The ongoing recruitment exercise is part of broader efforts by the state government to strengthen healthcare delivery and bridge existing manpower gaps across public health institutions.
Dr. Onojaeme also assured that the recruitment process would be strictly merit-based, warning applicants against engaging in any form of inducement or fraudulent practices.
He urged candidates to follow due process, emphasizing that the government remains committed to transparency and fairness in the selection process.
The development comes amid growing concerns over unemployment and the migration of healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as the “Japa” phenomenon, which continues to impact Nigeria’s health sector.
