The recent recruitment of teachers for primary and secondary schools in Ondo State has come under scrutiny amid serious allegations of corruption.
The Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes, and Anti-Corruption Commission (SPFACC) has launched an investigation into claims that officials from the Ondo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) sold teaching jobs to candidates.
Reports suggest that candidates paid between ₦200,000 and ₦750,000 to secure teaching positions rather than being selected solely based on merit. Some applicants who were not chosen have raised concerns, accusing the recruitment process of being compromised by officials involved. At least 1,000 teachers were recruited for primary schools, with a similar number hired for secondary schools during the exercise.
Education stakeholders warn that this corrupt practice could worsen the already declining quality of education in the state, as unqualified individuals may have been hired simply because they could afford to pay bribes. Many qualified teachers who have been waiting for years remain unemployed, while others may have resorted to bribery to secure jobs without a genuine commitment to teaching.
Prof. Adewole Adeyeye, secretary of SPFACC, confirmed the investigation and assured that it would be thorough in upholding the integrity of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
Stakeholders have expressed their support for the probe and urged the government to take decisive action to restore honesty and quality in the teaching profession.
They added that only qualified and dedicated teachers should be employed to improve education standards in Ondo State.
