Public service in Nigeria is often marred by corruption, ranging from misconduct to bribery and document falsification. Government workers are frequently perceived as the most corrupt, making individuals committed to discipline, integrity, and diligence rare exceptions. One of these exceptions is Eucharia Okoro.

Eucharia, 60, is a medical records officer at Kubwa General Hospital in Abuja. A widowed mother of seven from Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Eucharia has dedicated her years of service to leading by example, upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and ensuring that all medical certificates issued in her department are genuine and accurate.

“There was an incident where a woman approached me, requesting a falsified medical report to justify her absence from work for a year. My investigation revealed that the woman had given birth at the hospital but did not have any chronic illness warranting a year-long absence. I stood firm and refused to forge the report for her,” Eucharia recounted.

In Nigeria, falsifying medical certificates to justify work absences undermines the credibility of the healthcare system and invites serious disciplinary actions against those involved. This practice fosters a culture of dishonesty and strains the healthcare system by burdening it with unnecessary appointments and treatments. Acts like these are akin to forgery and the creation of false documents, offenses punishable under Nigeria’s Criminal Code (for southern Nigeria) and Penal Code (for northern Nigeria).

Over the years, numerous cases of healthcare officials and employees participating in or facilitating the issuance of fake medical reports have been uncovered. A Premium Times investigation highlighted systemic corruption within Nigeria’s health sector, where corrupt health officials were found to be issuing falsified medical reports.

Eucharia’s efforts to combat this corruption are noteworthy. Her story is about perseverance and determination, rising from relative obscurity to national recognition. When Eucharia Okoro began working as a security personnel at Kubwa General Hospital Abuja in 1994, she relied on her diligence, discipline, and tenacity—qualities rare in the Nigerian public service system. These attributes formed the bedrock of her career.

From her duty post, Eucharia observed and learned from the medical officers, strictly adhering to the hospital’s operational rules and principles. Her eagerness to learn and determination to succeed endeared her to her superiors. When the security department was dissolved due to restructuring and many of her colleagues were let go, Eucharia was retained on the payroll.

“When the Director called me, I was anxious and couldn’t predict the outcome. I was in awe when she told me I would resume as a medical records officer, not a security officer. ‘Congratulations on your new post,’ she said,” Eucharia recalled.

In her new role, Eucharia found her true calling. Despite the challenges, she approached her job professionally, quickly gaining a reputation for her integrity and conduct. She demonstrated unmatched diligence even when she was relatively new to her position. One occasion, during her leave, a patient’s file went missing, causing distress and difficulty for the doctors. Upon her return, Eucharia took it upon herself to search the archives and eventually found the document. This cemented her place in the hospital and validated the management’s decision to elevate her.

Eucharia’s resourcefulness and determination to do the right thing were unprecedented. She efficiently managed patient files, maintained records, and ensured timely delivery of files to doctors. The transition from analog to digital record-keeping later reduced her stress.

“When I was transferred to the Medical Records Department, I lacked professional training, so I pursued a certification in Health Information Technology at Nasarawa State Health Technology, Keffi. It was challenging to juggle between Keffi and Abuja, but it was worth it. I became fully certified after completing my program. I will be retiring next year and hope to leave a legacy that will be remembered,” she stated.

Despite facing challenges, Eucharia maintained good rapport with her colleagues, especially those affected by restructuring. She was supportive, never looked down on others, and nurtured their relationships well.

“I have never received a query at my job because I always give my best. My superiors hold me in high regard because I have proven myself over time,” she said.

Her fight against corruption in medical certificates met resistance from colleagues complicit in the practice. She uncovered colleagues refusing to remit revenue made during night shifts to the hospital’s purse.

“I would not condone the refusal to remit revenue. On many occasions, I warned my colleagues against withholding money from the hospital. One colleague got angry and tagged me as her enemy,” Eucharia retorted.

Eucharia’s story epitomizes perseverance, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to her job. Her journey from security personnel to medical records officer demonstrates her adaptability and hard work. Her diligence has inspired trust and respect among her colleagues, and her commitment to transparency and fairness has improved her working environment, fostering unity within her team. Eucharia’s actions serve as a reminder that ethical conduct and accountability are essential components of effective leadership in public service.

Accountability Lab Nigeria’s Creative Storytelling Fellowship is proudly supported by the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Luminate.