Delta State Government Scraps Abroad Study-Leave

The Delta State government has imposed a ban on overseas study leave for civil and public servants pursuing courses that are available at Nigerian universities.

The new policy also stipulates that officers granted study leave abroad will no longer receive salaries during their period of study.

The directive, aimed at addressing the misuse of overseas study leave, was issued in a circular by the Delta State Civil Service Commission. The circular, signed by the Commission’s Permanent Secretary, Frederick Yoro, outlines the ban on overseas study leave for courses that can be undertaken at local institutions.

According to the state government, an increasing number of officers have been using study leave approvals as a means of evading their duties.

ALSO READ: Oborevwori Approves N275bn for Warri City Stadium, Others

The circular highlighted instances where some officers travel abroad for their studies but fail to return, while others resign without fulfilling their contractual obligations.

In response, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has instructed that civil servants seeking study leave must enrol in Nigerian institutions if the course of study is available locally.

The circular further stated that officers granted study leave abroad will no longer receive salaries during their studies.

Additional measures outlined in the statement include stricter screening of overseas study leave applications to ensure they align with the state’s developmental needs.

Officers will also be required to sign mandatory bond agreements to return and serve the state for a specified period. Those on study leave will be required to submit annual progress reports.

The circular also emphasised that senior officials in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) would be held accountable for enforcing the new directives.