The Yobe State Government has approved the automatic employment of 416 graduating nurses and midwives from the Shehu Sule College of Nursing Sciences, Damaturu, in a move aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce.
Governor Mai Mala Buni announced the approval during the graduation ceremony held in Damaturu, the state capital. The governor was represented at the event by his deputy, Idi Barde Gubana.
According to the governor, the recruitment forms part of the administration’s broader strategy to address manpower shortages in health facilities and improve service delivery across the state.
The 416 graduates consist of 158 Community Nurses, 196 Basic Nurses and Midwives, and 62 Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates in Nursing.
They are expected to be deployed to various healthcare institutions, particularly in underserved rural communities where the need for skilled medical personnel remains critical.
Governor Buni emphasized that the state government has made sustained investments in healthcare education and infrastructure to ensure the availability of qualified professionals. He noted that these efforts are already producing tangible results, as more trained personnel are being absorbed into the system to meet growing demands.
“The automatic employment initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector and ensuring that our people have access to quality medical services,” he said.
He further highlighted ongoing reforms in the health sector, including the upgrading of facilities, expansion of training institutions, and improved welfare packages for healthcare workers to enhance retention and productivity.
The governor also commended the management and staff of the Shehu Sule College of Nursing Sciences for maintaining high academic standards and producing competent graduates capable of meeting modern healthcare challenges.
In his remarks, the Provost of the college expressed appreciation to the state government for its continued support, noting that the automatic employment policy serves as a strong motivation for students and contributes to the overall development of the health sector in Yobe State.
The newly inducted nurses and midwives took their professional oath during the ceremony, pledging to uphold ethical standards and deliver quality care to patients.
Stakeholders in the health sector have lauded the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward addressing the shortage of healthcare workers and improving access to medical services in Yobe State.
With this development, Yobe joins a growing number of states prioritizing healthcare workforce expansion as part of efforts to achieve sustainable health outcomes and strengthen public health systems in Nigeria.