The Abia State Government has successfully concluded the recruitment of 771 new health care workers.
It is a landmark exercise that not only strengthens the state’s healthcare system, but also sets a benchmark for inclusive governance.
What distinguishes this recruitment drive is its deliberate prioritisation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The Civil Service Commission in partnership with the Abia State Disability Commission (ASDC), adopted inclusive assessment methodologies that removed barriers.
Adaptive technologies were deployed during oral interviews, ensuring that qualified professionals with disabilities had the same opportunities to demonstrate competence.
Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Dr Eno Jerry Eze emphasised the significance of this practice.
She said: “We are dedicated to eliminating longstanding obstacles that have historically limited the participation of qualified professionals with disabilities in the workforce.
“We are creating a level playing field where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
“This commitment is exemplified by Gov. Dr. Alex Otti’s leadership, who continues to prioritise the inclusion and empowerment of PWDs, ensuring they have a meaningful role in our development agenda.”
Anchored in Global Policy and inclusive development, the Abia government’s approach aligns directly with international best practices and development goals, positioning the state as a leader in inclusive governance.
The state’s action echoes the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Article 27 mandates state parties to recognise the right of PWDs to work on an equal basis with others, including protection against discrimination at all stages of employment.
Complementing this, the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, passed by the National House of Assembly in January 2019, prohibits discrimination in hiring and mandates equal opportunities.
At a sub-national level, this initiative is firmly rooted in Abia’s legal framework for disability rights and development.
The Abia State Commission for Disabled Persons Law No. 2 of 2022, which established ASDC emphasises the welfare and inclusion of PWDs across sectors, including employment.
Under Otti’s administration, these laws are being actively implemented.
Furthermore, this move contributes directly to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and the core ethos of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to “Leave No One Behind.”
Development experts note that inclusive recruitment is not merely a social mandate, but an economic necessity.
Excluding PWDs, who constitute approximately 15 per cent of the global population, leads to a significant loss of human capital and economic productivity.
By engaging this pool of talent, Abia is unlocking new opportunities to sustain its healthcare reforms and strengthen its human development agenda.
This recruitment aligns with the state’s broader human capital development initiatives, which aim to achieve global standards by 2030 through targeted programmes in youth empowerment, continuous learning, and entrepreneurship.
Moreover, the recruitment supports Abia’s expanding social protection framework, which prioritises vulnerable groups like PWDs.
The recruitment process, which saw thousands of applications vying for 771 positions, sets a new standard for public service hiring.
It proves that transparency, merit, and deep inclusion can be effectively integrated into large-scale government programmes.
