Teachers across Delta State are raising their voices against alleged corruption within the Ministry of Education, accusing the accounts department of demanding hefty bribes to process overdue promotions and long-delayed salary arrears.
Despite submitting documents almost a year ago—far exceeding the typical one- to three-month processing period—many teachers report no progress in receiving their promotions or payments. Shockingly, teachers who submitted their paperwork later have already been paid, allegedly after paying bribes.
“I submitted all my documents almost a year ago, yet I’ve received nothing. I see others who came in later, already promoted and paid. It’s clear what’s happening,” one frustrated teacher shared.
According to sources, the accounts department is allegedly demanding bribes ranging from N100,000 to N300,000, depending on the teacher’s grade level, to expedite their promotions and arrears. Those on lower salary levels face bribe requests around N100,000, while senior teachers on higher grades are asked for between N200,000 and N300,000.
“They tell us to wait, yet those who pay the bribes get promoted and paid within weeks,” another educator said. “Why are we punished for refusing to pay to access what we rightfully deserve?”
The alleged “pay-for-service” scheme has caused a divide among teachers, leaving those who cannot afford the bribes stuck at outdated salary levels despite promotions on paper. The situation has been further aggravated by the state government’s refusal to pay minimum wage arrears, leaving long-waiting teachers financially strained.
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“The accounts department has turned what should be a straightforward process into an extortion scheme,” said a teacher with over two decades in the Delta State education system. “It’s unacceptable that we’re expected to pay such large sums for something that should take no more than three months.”
In an emotional plea, the teachers called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene and hold those responsible for these unethical practices accountable. They are demanding a transparent investigation into the Ministry of Education and the Post Primary Education Board to root out what they describe as “deep-seated corruption” disrupting their livelihoods.
“We’re just asking to be paid fairly and treated with respect,” one teacher emphasized. “Our students suffer when we’re distracted and demoralized by financial stress. It’s time for action.”
Delta State educators warn that these corrupt practices not only jeopardize their financial well-being but also threaten the future of education in the region, as demoralized teachers question their ability to continue in such an unjust system.
