The Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes, and Anti-Corruption Commission (SPFACC) has launched a formal investigation into allegations that teaching positions at the state’s Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) were sold to applicants for as much as ₦750,000.
The probe follows rising complaints from job seekers and aggrieved parents, who claim that even qualified candidates were sidelined in favour of unqualified individuals who could afford to pay bribes. Many allege that officials involved in the recruitment process commodified public service roles, undermining merit and integrity.
SPFACC Secretary, Adewole Adeyeye, confirmed the development on Sunday in Akure, disclosing that the commission had begun receiving complaints about the controversial recruitment process. “The allegations are serious. They reflect not just corruption, but systemic failure. We want victims to help us break this cycle by stepping forward. Their identities will be strictly protected,” he said.
In March, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved the employment of 1,100 primary school teachers across the 18 local government areas in Ondo State. The recruitment followed the completion of a process conducted by TESCOM and SUBEB to address staffing gaps in the state’s public schools. A final list of successful candidates was later released by SUBEB.
However, shortly after the announcement, reports began to emerge alleging that candidates had paid sums ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦750,000 to secure the teaching positions. The controversy sparked outrage, particularly among education graduates who had been unemployed for years but were reportedly excluded despite having the necessary qualifications.
SPFACC is now appealing to all affected individuals to present documents, account statements, or any form of proof that can aid the ongoing investigation. The commission can be reached directly via 08035025879 and has promised confidentiality for all whistleblowers.
“This is an opportunity to clean up the system,” Mr Adeyeye added. “We need victims and whistleblowers to come forward so we can make lasting changes. We are expecting them to submit pieces of evidence. And we will guide and protect them professionally.”
Commenting on the development, Tayo Oloba, Media and Strategy Director of the Coalition for Transparency (CT), warned that the implications of the scandal go beyond financial corruption. “When unqualified people pay to become teachers, students suffer. And when qualified people are shut out, the profession loses credibility. This is not just corruption, it’s sabotage,” he said.
Mr Oloba called for swift and thorough action from SPFACC, stressing the need for systemic reforms in teacher recruitment, including transparency, equity, and timely compensation for retired staff.
The SPFACC was established in March 2023 by former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who insisted that anti-corruption enforcement should not be the “exclusive preserve” of federal institutions. However, the agency only became fully operational following Mr Akeredolu’s passing.
As the investigation unfolds, pressure is mounting on the government to demonstrate accountability and restore trust in public sector recruitment, especially in the critical education sector.
