For weeks, whispers of a “pay-to-serve” scheme spread through Ondo State like wildfire. Young graduates desperate for government jobs carried stories of recruiters demanding hefty sums. Families pooled savings, some even selling assets, hoping their children could secure stable employment. The figure—₦700,000 per person—became a haunting refrain.

On Monday, the Ondo State Government confirmed those fears, announcing the suspension of some civil service officials accused of masterminding a recruitment scandal that allegedly extorted ₦700,000 from job seekers in exchange for employment offers.

Government Action

In a statement, the government said disciplinary measures had been taken against the officials implicated in the scandal, stressing that investigations are ongoing to unravel the full extent of the fraud.

The affected workers, said to be connected to recruitment processes within the state civil service, allegedly demanded payments before names could be included on official employment lists.

Public Reaction

The revelations have sparked outrage across the state. Civil society groups condemned the scandal, describing it as “a betrayal of public trust.” Parents who scraped together money for their children’s future now fear their sacrifices may have gone in vain.

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Residents are demanding that the government not only prosecute those involved but also refund the victims who fell prey to the alleged scam.

Next Steps

The state government has assured that anyone found guilty will face the law. Authorities also pledged to tighten oversight of recruitment procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Bigger Picture

For Ondo’s unemployed youth, the scandal is a reminder of how desperation often meets exploitation. With job scarcity already a heavy burden, the idea that opportunities could be auctioned for ₦700,000 has left many questioning the fairness of the system.