The Kogi State Government, under Governor Usman Ododo, has directed over 5,000 teachers to pay a mandatory fee of ₦10,000 each to confirm their appointments. The directive, issued by the state government, affects teachers who were recruited toward the end of the tenure of former governor Yahaya Bello and have since completed their probationary periods.
The controversy erupted after SaharaReporters obtained a message forwarded to all school principals for circulation to the affected staff. Signed by Dr. Aisha Mohammed Atojoko, the Secretary of the Kogi State Secondary Education Board (KGSSEB), the directive specifies that newly recruited teachers must pay an administrative charge of ₦5,000 for a Permanent/Pensionable Appointment and another ₦5,000 for Confirmation of Appointments. The notice, dated March 2025, mandates schools to submit the names of affected teachers along with the fees by March 25, 2025.
The directive has drawn sharp criticism from stakeholders, who argue that the requirement is unethical and undermines the dignity of public service. A source familiar with the matter told SaharaReporters that the teachers in question were recruited toward the end of former Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration. Remember, some years back, towards the end of Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration, he employed over a thousand teachers,” the source stated. “Now, these teachers have served for two years and are due for confirmation of their appointments. Regrettably, they applied for their confirmation letters but were asked to pay ₦10,000 each.”
The source expressed deep concern over the implications of this policy, suggesting that it could tarnish the image of Governor Usman Ododo and his government. “This is very unethical and will tarnish the image of the governor and his government,” the source added. Critics argue that requiring teachers to pay for their confirmation undermines the principles of meritocracy and fairness, casting doubt on the integrity of the recruitment process.
The directive has sparked widespread resentment among the affected teachers, who feel that their hard work and dedication have been devalued by the imposition of financial barriers. One teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, described the situation as “heartbreaking.” “We worked hard during our probation period, and now we’re being asked to pay to confirm our jobs. It feels like a slap in the face,” the teacher said. Many others echoed similar sentiments, expressing frustration over the additional burden placed on them.
Civil society organizations have joined the chorus of voices condemning the policy. Human rights advocates and education experts have labeled the fee as a form of extortion, arguing that it contradicts the ethos of public service. “Requiring teachers to pay for their confirmation is not only unethical but also counterproductive,” said Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim, a public policy analyst. It creates a barrier for deserving individuals who may not afford the fee, thereby undermining the quality of education in the state.
The backlash has prompted calls for transparency and accountability from the Kogi State Government. Activists have demanded that the government clarify the rationale behind the fee and provide assurances that it will not become a regular practice. “Governor Ododo must address this issue immediately and ensure that it does not recur,” said Fatima Hassan, a spokesperson for a leading civil society group. The government owes it to the people to uphold ethical standards and protect the rights of public servants.
The controversy has also reignited debates about the financial sustainability of public sector employment in Kogi State. Some analysts suggest that the fee may be an attempt to address budgetary constraints, but they caution that such measures risk alienating key stakeholders. While addressing fiscal challenges is important, the government must ensure that its actions do not erode public trust,” said Dr. Ibrahim. There are alternative ways to manage resources without compromising the dignity of workers.
The Kogi State Government has yet to issue a formal response to the backlash, though the directive remains in effect. School principals have been tasked with collecting the fees and forwarding them to the KGSSEB Board Secretary. The deadline for compliance is fast approaching, adding to the anxiety of affected teachers.
As the situation unfolds, the fate of these teachers hangs in the balance. Many are hopeful that Governor Ododo will intervene and rescind the directive, restoring faith in the state’s commitment to public service. Others fear that the policy may set a dangerous precedent, potentially affecting other sectors and undermining the morale of public employees.
The incident has also highlighted the broader challenges facing Kogi State’s education system. With limited resources and competing priorities, the government faces the daunting task of balancing fiscal prudence with the need to attract and retain qualified professionals. While the fee represents a short-term revenue stream, its long-term impact on the education sector remains uncertain.
In the meantime, the teachers’ plight has captured the attention of the public, sparking conversations about ethics, governance, and the role of government in protecting public interest. As the clock ticks down to the March 25 deadline, the eyes of Kogi State are fixed on the government’s next move. Will Governor Ododo heed the calls for reform, or will the controversy deepen fissures within the state’s education system? Only time will tell.
