FTHL Conducts Successful 2026 Promotion Exercise for 309 Senior Staff

The Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL) has successfully completed its 2026 promotion exercise, with 309 senior staff members drawn from clinical and non-clinical cadres taking part in the landmark career advancement exercise conducted between June 22 and 25, 2026. The exercise, carried out in compliance with public service rules governing staff career progression in federal public institutions, brought together the hospital’s management, officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

The promotion exercise kicked off with a high-level strategic meeting designed to establish a framework for a transparent, credible, and merit-driven process. The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Ebune Sunday Ojochide, chaired the meeting in representation of the Chief Medical Director, Assoc. Prof. Abdulrahman Shehu. Other management officials present included the Acting Director of Administration, Mallam Abdullahi Abdulrahman; Head of Works, Engr. C. Omatola; Head of Nursing, Elder Ekeyi Gabriel; Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. Abdulkarim Musa; and Head of Establishment, Mrs. Blessing Anthony. Representatives of the hospital’s Management Board were also in attendance.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ojochide described promotion as a key motivator for career progression and called for a fair process that gives every eligible candidate an equal opportunity to advance.

The Chief Medical Director, Assoc. Prof. Abdulrahman Shehu, participated in the meeting by telephone, thanking officials from the Ministry of Health and the Office of the Head of Civil Service for honouring the participation and supervision of the exercise. He commended the CMAC for standing in on his behalf and stressed the need for fairness and equal opportunity throughout the exercise. The Acting Director of Administration, Mallam Abdullahi Abdulrahman, confirmed that the earlier postponement had been necessary to ensure thorough preparation and that all arrangements were now firmly in place. He further disclosed that the CMD had directed that all examination questions must meet approved civil service promotion standards.

Officials from the Federal Ministry of Health announced that accreditation and screening would begin immediately to verify the eligibility of all candidates, reaffirming their commitment to a smooth and credible exercise. Their counterparts from the Office of the Head of Civil Service noted that substantial effort had gone into securing the required vacancies and stressed that the entire process would be governed strictly by public service rules.

Candidate screening commenced immediately after the strategic meeting. The formal examinations were conducted on June 24, with Heads of Departments and Units responsible for setting questions in accordance with approved civil service standards. Three venues; the Hospital Library, Maternity Complex, and MDCAN Lounge were used to comfortably accommodate and supervise all 309 candidates. In a commendable show of inclusivity, the hospital’s management made special provisions for two senior nursing staff members who were unable to access the examination venues due to medical conditions, enabling them to sit the examination under approved supervision.

The exercise concluded smoothly, drawing wide commendation for its organisation and conduct. Its success is widely seen as a reflection of the shared commitment of FTHL’s management, its governing board, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Office of the Head of Civil Service to staff welfare, institutional development, and quality healthcare delivery. By upholding the principles of transparency and merit, the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja continues to demonstrate its dedication to building a motivated, well-rewarded workforce capable of delivering excellent healthcare services to the people of Kogi State and beyond.