UBTH CMD insists on Merit for Internship Placement

…assures transparency, warns against bribery or favoritism

By De-Patriot

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Ize-Iyamu, has assured candidates seeking internship placement at the institution of a fair and transparent selection process, emphasizing that only merit will determine who gets admitted.

Addressing over 1,500 candidates at the Computer-Based Test (CBT) screening held at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) centres on Tuesday, the CMD stated that excellence—not influence or connection—will be the sole basis for placement.

“This interview is to ensure that only the best are shortlisted,” Prof. Ize-Iyamu said. “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 the Civil Service of the Federation to monitor the process. Do your best, and I wish you good luck.”

She cautioned candidates against any form of sharp practice, stressing that there is no “special list” or favoritism in the selection exercise.

Representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Kayode Oke, who spoke on behalf of the Director of Human Resources Management, commended UBTH for the smooth conduct of the interview process.

Also speaking, Edo State Director of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Barr. Simon Ehigie, accompanied by Ms. Linda Obanor from FCC headquarters, Abuja, said the exercise was in line with approved guidelines and fully compliant with the Federal Character Principle.

He added that candidates were drawn from all 36 states of the federation, noting that while federal balance is essential, “the Commission will not sacrifice merit on the altar of representation.”

Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), UBTH, Prof. Stanley Okugbo, reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to excellence, saying the interview was designed to ensure a fair and merit-based assessment of all applicants.

On his part, Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at UNIBEN, Mr. Kehinde Samuel, disclosed that the university provided a conducive environment and necessary logistics for the seamless conduct of the CBT.

Some candidates who participated in the screening commended the UBTH management for its transparent and well-organized selection process.