By USMAN ALIYU

No fewer than 1,500 graduates from medical and allied health disciplines on Tuesday converged on the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) to undergo the test for internship placement.

Addressing the candidates before the commencement of the screening, which was computer-based, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, assured that only those who performed excellently would be considered.

He stressed that there would be no favouritism or backdoor recruitment in the placement process.

“This interview is to ensure that only the best is shortlisted. Connections will not be used. Do not give anyone money to help you secure placement.

“We have observers from the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Character Commission both from Benin and Abuja, as well as an official from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to monitor the exercise.

“Do your best, and I wish you good luck,” she said.

Ize-Iyamu said the test was part of the hospital’s effort to promote transparency and excellence in internship recruitment across Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Radiography and Optometry.

Representatives of regulatory agencies present at the exercise commended UBTH for a fair and transparent process.

Kayode Oke, who represented the Director of Human Resources Management, Federal Ministry of Health, lauded the hospital’s management for conducting a “hitch-free and credible” recruitment exercise.

Mr Simon Ehigie, Edo Director, Federal Character Commission (FCC), accompanied by Ms Linda Obanor from FCC headquarters, said the recruitment process complied with national guidelines and fairness principles.

“Candidates were drawn from all 36 states of the federation. While we uphold the federal character principle, the Commission will not sacrifice merit on the altar of balancing,” Ehigie said.

The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) at the hospital, Prof. Stanley Okugbo, said UBTH remained committed to upholding excellence through a transparent, merit-driven recruitment process.

On his part, the Director of ICT, University of Benin, Mr Kehinde Samuel, said the university provided a conducive environment and robust digital infrastructure to ensure smooth conduct of the CBT.

Several candidates expressed satisfaction with the transparent process, describing it as a fair opportunity to compete based on merit. (NAN)