Despite hostility from the host community, David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital successfully commenced its recruitment exercise Wednesday at Unity Square, Abakaliki where over 8,000 applicants are jostling for positions across clinical and non-clinical cadres.

The exercise, supervised by representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Character Commission, and Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, is being led by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen.

Dr. Saludeen addressed the applicants on the methodology of the interview process, explaining that the interview is scheduled for three days, with the clinical interviews on Wednesday, March 26, and the non-clinical exercise scheduled for March 27 and 28.

The committee conducting the interview comprises representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, including Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, Director Hospital Services; Dr. Dogara Okarw, Dr. Francis Soroaye, Dr. Kayode Oke, and Odoh Christianah.

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation was represented by Mr. Sunday Babalola, Assistant Director Establishment and Workshop Planning, and Mrs. Jane Anakwue, Principal Admin Officer, while the Federal Character Commission was represented by Maigari Tibril and Mbonu Ifeoma.

Prof. Uzoma Agwu, the Chief Medical Director of DUFUTH, ensured a smooth interview process with her physical presence at the venue, supported by the C-MAC, Dr. Darlington-Peter Ugoji, Ag. Director HRMD Okoro Chima Kalu, and other principal officers.

A total of 1,540 clinical applicants were verified and interviewed for various positions, including consultants, medical officers, dental officers, social welfare officers, executive officers, scientific officers, psychologists, pharmacists, radiographers, nurses, physiotherapists, prosthetic and orthotics technicians, medical laboratory scientists, optometrists, and dieticians/nutritionists.