In a swift reaction to media reports making the rounds on the removal of Interns, House officers and NYSC Doctors from the Federal Civil Service scheme of service, the Office of the Head of Civil Service has debunked reports that it has stoped monthly payments to House officers and Interns on the Federal Civil Service payroll and Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS). The Director, Press and Public Relations, Abdul Ganiyu Aminu described the report as incorrect.
The statement clarified that the government circular did not imply stopage of salaries for interns. It also stated that the government neither intended to interupt nor interfere with the salaries and allowances of interns in consideration of the fact that they are trainees under the various establishments they are working.
Recall that cpanworld had previously reported the circular on decisions of the National Council on Establsihments (NCE) to remove interns and NYSC professionals from the Federal Government Scheme of service. Leaving any futher payments of allowances to them at the discretion of the National Salaries Income and Wages Commision. This was as detailed in the document signed by the Head of the Civil Service, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan. The National Council on Establishments (NCE) is the highest decision making body in the civil sevice. The decision to remove Interns from the civil service scheme was ratified at its 42nd meeting held in Lagos on November 30, 2020.
The press statement is here reproduced:
"OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF THE CIVIL SERVICE OF THE FEDERATION.
PRESS STATEMENT
RE:CIRCULAR ON INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME IN CIVIL/PUBLIC SERVICE.
The attention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has been drawn to publications making the rounds on social media platforms with regard to the " Establishment Circular" on the above subject. It has therefore become important to make the following clarifications:
i. The Circular does not in any way suggest or prescribe the discontinuance of remuneration, salaries and earned allowances for interns as being speculated ;
ii. Moreover, internship is a period of work experience offered by an organization for a specified period of time. It is typically undertaken by students and fresh graduates to gain relevant skills in a particular field before being admitted as practitioners of the particular profession ; and
iii. The Schemes of Service details the requirements for full employment and career progression within the Civil/Public Service.
- It is important to reiterate that the circular does not seek to alter the wage structures of the internship programmes of different professions.
- The above clarifications are for the avoidance of doubt and further guidance.
Signed:
AbdulGaniyu Aminu
Director, Press and Public Relations.
Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF)
24/4/2021"
This rejoinder by the Office of the Head of Service raises even more questions as to the position of government on the status of Interns in the Federal Civil Service scheme. Both the circular arising from the decisions made by the National Council on Establishments and the rejoinder released by the Office of the Head of Service who signed the circular seem contradictory and will need further clarification among stakeholders to alay their fears.
The news generated backlash and fury from health professionals who took to social media expressing dissapointment and frustration at the seeming lack of concern of government for the welfare of budding Healthcare professionals which tends to demoralise up comming professionals.