Delta State
The Delta State government has prohibited civil and public servants from pursuing study leave abroad for courses available in Nigerian universities.
Additionally, officers granted overseas study leave will no longer receive salaries during their period of study.
This directive, aimed at curbing the misuse of study leave approvals, was issued in a circular by the Delta State Civil Service Commission. The circular, signed by the Commission’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Frederick Yoro, noted a rising trend of officers using overseas study leave as a means to evade their official duties.
The state government expressed concern that some officers travel abroad for studies and never return, while others resign without fulfilling their contractual obligations.
“To address this issue, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed that civil servants seeking study leave must enroll in Nigerian institutions if the course is available locally. Furthermore, those granted study leave abroad will no longer be entitled to salaries during their study period,” the circular stated.
Other measures outlined include stricter screening of overseas study leave applications to align with the state’s developmental priorities, mandatory bond agreements requiring returning officers to serve the state for a specified period, and the submission of annual progress reports by those on study leave.
The circular also warned that senior officials in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) would be held accountable for enforcing these directives and could face penalties for unearned salaries paid to non-compliant officers.
