The Jigawa State government announced on Thursday that a staggering 240 ghost workers have been identified among the 4,500 temporary teachers enrolled in its J-Teach programme.
The revelation came to light through a meticulous staff validation report conducted in May.
Sagir Musa, the Information Commissioner, disclosed in a statement that the State Executive Council (EXCO) extensively deliberated on a Memorandum concerning the Jigawa State Staff Validation Committee’s report, submitted to former Governor Mohammed Badaru.
The findings, as outlined in the statement, include the alarming discovery of 240 ghost workers among the
J-Teach beneficiaries.
Moreover, 255 individuals were found with fake certificates, while 72 had no certificates at all.
The government also revealed discrepancies between the beneficiary lists from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology and Local Education Authorities.
These irregularities ranged from name duplications to inappropriate replacements of competent candidates with incompetent ones. Some beneficiaries were even discovered to be residing outside the state, with others hiring proxies to represent them.
The improper supervision of beneficiaries during the scheme’s examinations became a critical issue, leading to the nullification of their employment due to the highlighted problems.
Governor Umar Namadi, presiding over the EXCO, unanimously endorsed the report previously approved for implementation by the former administration.
The EXCO also decided to establish a committee to analyze the findings and recommend a course of action regarding the present administration’s plan to absorb 3,000 out of the 4,500 J-Teach participants into permanent and pensionable appointments.
In a bold move, the EXCO directed the immediate suspension of salary payments to all J-Teach beneficiaries until the committee submits its report within four weeks from December 13.
It was, however, clarified that genuine J-Teach beneficiaries who pass verification will receive payment in arrears.
