Thelish Eye Centre has credited the Ministry of Interior’s Expatriate Quota and understudy policy with helping to develop Nigerian specialists capable of handling highly specialised eye-care procedures previously performed by expatriate professionals.
The hospital stated this during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Interior in Abuja, where its delegation, led by Dr. Amaka Etuk, met with the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
According to a statement by Mrs. Mary Ali, Head, Press & Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, Ajani reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to using the Expatriate Quota system to promote knowledge transfer, build Nigerian capacity and improve service delivery.
Ajani said the Ministry’s policy was designed not only to regulate the engagement of expatriate professionals but also to ensure that their expertise was transferred to Nigerians to strengthen local capacity.
She also highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing digital reforms, noting that businesses can now process expatriate quota and business permit applications through its online platforms without relying on intermediaries or making unnecessary physical visits to the Ministry.
The Permanent Secretary encouraged organisations to designate competent in-house officers to interface directly with the Ministry’s digital platforms, while assuring stakeholders that their feedback would continue to inform improvements in service delivery.
Speaking during the visit, Etuk commended the Ministry’s administration of the Expatriate Quota and understudy policy, saying it had helped Thelish build a strong team of Nigerian eye-care specialists.
She disclosed that the hospital, which at one time engaged eight expatriate professionals, had successfully developed Nigerian specialists capable of performing procedures previously handled by foreign experts.
According to Etuk, the development had contributed to the expansion of the hospital’s operations, including the establishment of a new centre in Abuja.
“Today, we are smiling. THELISH is happy because Nigerians have become the experts by virtue of the Ministry of Interior’s policy,” she said.
Etuk also praised the Ministry’s digital reforms, particularly the online processing of expatriate quota applications, revealing that Thelish recently completed a quota renewal entirely online without intermediaries, physical visits to the Ministry or unofficial payments.
The hospital, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, also invited the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to its anniversary celebration.
Ajani thanked the delegation for the commendation and invitation, confirming that the Minister would be represented at the event.
She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to transparent, efficient and accessible service delivery, stressing that the Expatriate Quota system would continue to contribute to local capacity development and technology transfer.
