The Nigerian Dental Therapists’ Association (NDTA) has expressed concerns over alleged irregularities in the recruitment process for the position of Registrar/CEO of the Dental Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria (DThRBN).
In a press release, the association called for transparency and fairness in the process, citing grievous irregularities and insincerity on the part of some Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) staff.
The NDTA alleged that the FMoH staff are adopting “gorilla administrative bureaucracy” to deliver their preferred candidates, violating procedures for appointing Chief Executive Officers of federal government agencies. The association also claimed that the exams/interview process was marred by inadequacies and lack of transparency, with some candidates allegedly being favored over others.
The NDTA expressed disappointment over the abrupt call for re-assessment exams for some candidates, which they believe is an attempt to oust the recently appointed acting Registrar, Mrs. Isegen Aderonke Shakeerat.
The association called on the Coordinating Minister of Health and the Minister of State for Health to intervene and ensure a fair and transparent process.
The NDTA’s demands include:
– Allowing the Acting Registrar to serve for at least six months
– Canceling the ongoing recruitment exercise and conducting a fresh, transparent process
– Outsourcing the recruitment committee to ensure impartiality
– Giving priority to candidates from other geopolitical zones
– Desisting from colluding with past DThRBN officials to influence the exercise
The association warned that if their demands are not met, they will stage a nationwide protest on April 30, 2025.
The NDTA’s National Secretary, Anugwor Chinedu, signed the press release, emphasizing the association’s commitment to fairness, equity, and good governance.
