AKURE — What began in May as a wave of troubling allegations has now erupted into a full-scale anti-corruption investigation into the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).
The state’s anti-graft body, the Public Complaints, Financial Crimes, and Anti-Corruption Commission (SPFACC), is calling on victims of employment slot buying to come forward and testify.
The scandal, first reported last month, revealed that candidates allegedly paid between ₦200,000 and ₦750,000 to secure teaching jobs in public primary and secondary schools. Despite meeting all qualifications, many applicants were sidelined while unqualified individuals bought their way in.
“The allegations are serious. They reflect not just corruption, but systemic failure,” said Prof. Adewole Adeyeye, Secretary of SPFACC. “We want victims to help us break this cycle by stepping forward. Their identities will be strictly protected.”
How the Scandal Unfolded
In May, SPFACC confirmed it had launched an investigation into claims that recruitment at TESCOM and SUBEB had been hijacked by powerful insiders.
The scandal came to light after a wave of complaints from job seekers and parents of long-unemployed education graduates, many of whom accused government officials of turning public service into a commodity.
One parent, whose child has waited over 10 years for a teaching job, described it as “a betrayal of service,” noting that retirees’ children — many of them qualified — were denied employment while jobs were auctioned off behind closed doors.
The rot appears deep. In early 2025, SUBEB released a list of 1,100 new recruits for primary schools. TESCOM also completed its own round of hiring.
But instead of celebration, the lists sparked outrage as dozens came forward claiming they were asked to pay bribes or were told the slots were “already taken.”
A Broken System, A Chance to Heal
Dr. Tayo Oloba, Media and Strategy Director of the Coalition for Transparency (CT), said the problem is bigger than just money.
“When unqualified people pay to become teachers, students suffer. And when qualified people are shut out, the profession loses credibility,” he said. “This is not just corruption — it’s sabotage.”
He emphasized that the investigation must not only punish the guilty but also lead to systemic reforms — including transparent hiring, fair treatment of teachers, and timely payment of retirees’ gratuities.
Speak Up Now: Your Voice Matters
The SPFACC is urging those who paid for jobs — or were extorted — to contact the commission directly at 08035025879. Victims can provide documents, account statements, or any evidence to support the probe. All reports will be handled confidentially.
“This is an opportunity to clean up the system,” said Prof. Adeyeye. “We need victims and whistleblowers to come forward so we can make lasting change.”
Looking Ahead
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, under whose administration the recruitment was conducted, is expected to act decisively. While SPFACC says the investigation is not politically motivated, there is a growing call for the government to take firm action against those found culpable and commit to restoring merit-based hiring in the state’s education sector.
The months ahead will determine whether this is remembered as another buried scandal — or a turning point for public sector accountability in Ondo State.
If you were affected by this scandal or have information that can aid the investigation, call SPFACC at 08035025879. Your voice is vital.
