By JOY IKEDE

The Delta State Government has raised concerns over the abuse of study leave Privileges by Civil and Public Servants in the State.

The concern was raised in a circular letter issued by the Delta State Civil Service Commission, Thursday, which expressed dismay at the increasing number of officers who abscond from their duties under the guise of study leave, particularly those traveling abroad or suddenly resigning without fulfilling their bond agreements.

The circular letter, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Frederick Yoro said that while the State Government highly values training and development for public servants, the abuse of this opportunity had reached alarming levels stating that civil and public servants had reportedly been using study leave approvals as an excuse to avoid their duties and with some never returning after traveling for studies abroad or submitting letters of voluntary retirement before fulfilling their contractual obligations to the state.

Mr. Yoro stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had issued a directive aimed at addressing the situation with key provisions of the directive that includes, Officers would no longer be approved to study abroad if similar courses are available within Nigerian Universities.

The Permanent Secretary stated that if study leave abroad is granted, it would be without pay, adding that applications for study leave would undergo stricter screening to ensure that the courses align with the needs of the State Government.

He said that Officers must sign a bond with the State Government before going on study leave, committing to return and serve the stipulated number of years, and that failure to sign or absconding would result in the officer being deemed absent without permission.

Mr. Yoro reiterated that officers on study leave, whether local or abroad, were required to submit annual progress reports from their institutions.

The Permanent Secretary equally stated that Directors of Administration, Personnel Management, and Unit Heads in MDAs would be held accountable and could be surcharged for unearned salaries paid to officers who violate these regulations.

The circular further called on all concerned officials to ensure strict adherence to these new directives adding that the state government had made it clear that these measures are crucial in maintaining discipline and ensuring that civil and public servants fulfill their duties and obligations to the state. (Delta State News Bulletin)

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