Medical Doctors of Benue State origin studying in various Universities across the country, have started receiving salaries and arrears, marking another milestone in healthcare development in the State under the Alia led government.
Recall that the scheme which was initially for medical students studying at the Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, was previously halted for over 10 years before it was revived by the Alia administration, as he directed the incorporation of all Clinical students of Benue origin across the country into the scheme.
The move by the Governor, is targeted at improving the welfare of the students doctors, in order to reduce the emigration of the medical personnel out of the country, a common practice that has left the state and country short of medical Doctors
He had charged those who had left the state and country to return back home, as his administration was going to also offer greener pastures found elsewhere.
In his words, “Medical Doctors of Benue extraction who left the state and shores of the country in search of greener pastures should know that I, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia is here now and is going to make the pasture greener in Benue. They are welcome back,” the Governor had emphasized.
The first payments for the clinical students across the country were made on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, following the issuance of employment letters to the student doctors just a few months ago.
The joyous recipients have now proudly joined the symbolic “Mr. 25th train,” celebrating alongside other public servants who consistently receive their pay on the 25th of each month under the Alia administration.
This gesture demonstrates the governor’s commitment to prompt remuneration, and it equally shows his resolve to build a sustainable and thriving healthcare system in the State.
With the student Doctors now formally on the payroll, Benue is set to combat the chronic shortage of medical professionals in its healthcare facilities, especially as they are required to serve the state for a minimum of two years after graduation, thus guaranteeing the hospitals across the state with qualified professionals, thereby providing improved healthcare delivery for the people of the State.