I got a completely free education (didn't pay for it). Including a top boarding school (practically free) and 4 years of university (including a monthly stipend to live off).

I would have thought it reasonable if the state had asked me to take on an assignment in a designated role for a couple of years after that. In fact, it's a good way for new graduates to get experience without having to apply for jobs on the open market. I don't see a problem with this at all.

In my case, I promptly left the country that sponsored my education.... and became a contributor to the British economy and a tax payer there! Pretty bad, but I didn't consider that, at the time.