By Philomena Modlin
In Cross River State, there are 1,114 primary schools, 338 secondary schools, and 76 technical colleges across the 18 local government areas. These are all public schools.
On record, each school should have no fewer than 30 to 40 teachers assigned to it. However, the reality is that only a handful report for duty, especially in remote communities where supervision is infrequent. Most teachers choose the days that are convenient for them to make appearance in class.
The issue of salary payments has prompted an investigation that has unearthed some very interesting and uncomfortable truths. When they come online with claims, it becomes a duty to make sure the right information is put out.
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The first is the issue of ghost workers. There are individuals dedicated to defrauding the state by inflating personnel records, creating fictitious employees, and inserting them into the payroll. For instance, the state may be paying salaries for 20,000 teachers, whereas only about 12,000 are genuine employees, while the remaining 8,000 exist only on paper. This is an age-old practice, and those responsible are prepared to raise hell against Governor Otu for making efforts to correct this abnormality.
Secondly, there is the issue of unauthorized outsourcing. There are people employed by the state government as teachers who now live abroad or in other parts of the country pursuing different endeavours. Rather than resign, they subcontract their jobs to unqualified and untrained individuals, thereby undermining the standard of education. You know them. They are your friends, neighbours, relatives, and acquaintances.
As a proactive and responsive administration, the government initiated a verification exercise using advanced technology to identify genuine employees. Many have opposed this process, even though it simply requires staff to present their National Identification Number (NIN) and other relevant documents to authenticate their employment. By beating around the bush, they are unfortunately, delaying the process for genuine Teachers to get their pay.
Accountability is not limited to those occupying elective or appointive offices. It extends to civil servants at every level, contractors, and everyone engaged to render public service. Ironically, even some of those who have failed in their responsibilities are also pointing fingers at the government.
Governor Otu’s administration is positioning itself as a purifier of the system, and as is often the case, corruption always fights back, but God reigns Supreme.
Odu, Modlin Philomena
SSA Tactical Media Research and Engagement
