Teachers across Delta State are calling out the Ministry of Education’s accounts department for alleged corruption, claiming that officials demand hefty bribes to process overdue promotions and salary arrears.
Despite submitting their documents for promotion and payment implementation nearly a year ago, well beyond the official processing period of one to three months, many teachers are still awaiting their dues. Meanwhile, some colleagues who submitted paperwork later have already received full payment, reportedly after paying bribes.
“I submitted all my documents almost a year ago, yet I’ve received nothing, But I see others who came in later, who already have their payments processed and promotions confirmed. It’s clear what’s going on,” lamented one teacher.
Several teachers say that the accounts department’s officials are allegedly demanding bribes ranging from N100,000 to N300,000, depending on their grade level, to expedite promotions and arrears processing.
Those on lower salary levels reportedly face bribe demands around N100,000, while senior teachers on higher grades are pressured to pay between N200,000 and N300,000.
“They tell us to wait, yet those who pay the bribes get promoted and paid within weeks.Why are we punished for refusing to pay to access what we rightfully deserve?”said another educator.
This alleged pay-for-service scheme, teachers argue, has created a rift between those who can afford the bribes and those who cannot, leaving many dedicated educators stuck at previous salary levels despite being promoted on paper.
The situation is worsened by the state government’s decision not to pay minimum wage arrears, leaving teachers who have waited the longest without compensation for the ongoing shortfall in their wages.
“The accounts department has turned what should be a straightforward process into an extortion scheme,” said a teacher who has been working in the state’s education system for over two decades. “It’s unacceptable that we’re expected to pay such large sums for something that should take no more than three months.”
The teachers pleaded with Governor Sheriff Oborewori to intervene and ensure that those responsible for these delays and unethical demands are held accountable.
They’re calling for a transparent investigation within the Ministry of Education and the Post Primary Education Board to address the deep-seated corruption they believe has stalled their livelihoods.
“We’re just asking to be paid fairly and treated with respect. Our students suffer when we’re distracted and demoralized by financial stress. It’s time for action,”said one teacher.
Teachers insist that these unethical practices threaten not only their financial stability but also the future of education in Delta State, as disheartened educators question how long they can continue to work in such an unjust system.
