Medical graduates from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, have appealed to the state governor, Monday Okpebholo’s   intervention in the delay of their induction as doctors, despite completing their studies.

The 39 affected students, in an open letter, said they had become frustrated and demoralised over the uncertainty surrounding their induction.

The letter signed by their representatives, Abu Ibrahim, Bawal Mohammed Awal, and Daniel Igbafe, was addressed to the state government and the minister of health.

They said, “We have spent nine years undergoing rigorous medical training, making immense sacrifices. Now, we face an indefinite delay due to administrative bottlenecks.’’

The students opposed a plan by the university management to induct them alongside their juniors.

They claimed their juniors were still sitting their 500-level Part III MBBS exams in paediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, and community medicine.

They argued that they were not repeat students and had already received their statements of results from the university’s governing council.

Mr Okpebholo had previously intervened to secure the induction of 128 medical graduates from the university, who faced a similar delay in August 2024.

The affected 39 students said their hopes were shattered after watching their peers get inducted while they remained sidelined without explanation.

“At a time when Nigeria faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, it is unacceptable that we remain sidelined due to administrative issues. We are eager to contribute to the nation’s healthcare sector,” they said.

They called on the governor to facilitate their induction and prevent further setbacks in their medical careers.

However,  the institution’s Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information/Public Relations and Protocol, Mike Aladenika, on Thursday, dismissed claims of intentional delays.

He clarified that the 39 students had to re-sit a final-year exam after failing their initial attempt.

“The notion that the university is intentionally delaying their induction is misleading. A make-up exam was conducted for 40 students, and only one failed. We are now awaiting the Medical Council’s date for their induction,” Mr Aladenika said.

(NAN)