By Our Correspondent
Allegations of a pay-for-job scam have rocked a certain ministry in Anambra State, following claims that desperate job seekers were allegedly asked to pay as much as ₦800,000 before being issued employment letters.
Investigations by THE RAZOR News reveal that candidates who applied for nursing positions were allegedly informed—after interviews—that money, rather than merit, would determine who received appointment letters.
Sources said the alleged demand was conveyed quietly but firmly.
“It was made clear to us that anyone who wanted an appointment letter must pay ₦800,000,” one applicant told our reporter in confidence.
The trained nurse said she pleaded with those involved to accept ₦400,000, explaining that she could not raise the full amount.
“My friend paid the full money and has already collected her letter,” she added.
Findings by this newspaper indicate that several qualified candidates who could not raise the demanded sum were excluded from the process, despite meeting all advertised requirements.
Many are now bitter and disillusioned after years of professional training and hopes of securing public sector employment.
The alleged racket is said to be thriving in a sector already battling severe manpower shortages, raising fears that recruitment may no longer be based strictly on competence.
Governance watchers warn that if recruitment is driven by financial inducement rather than merit, the consequences could be dangerous.
“When money determines who gets hired in a sector like health, patient safety is at risk,” an analyst warned.
Efforts to obtain official reactions from the commission overseeing the ministry were unsuccessful as of press time.
Repeated calls and messages were not returned.
Civil society groups say the silence surrounding the allegations only deepens public suspicion.
“This goes beyond money,” said a civil society advocate in Awka. “It is about trust. If jobs are sold, the system is broken.”
The allegations have placed renewed pressure on the political leadership of the ministry, with growing calls for an urgent and transparent investigation to identify and sanction anyone found culpable.
For the affected applicants, the demand is simple:“We are not asking for favours,” one said. “We just want fairness.”
As unemployment continues to deepen nationwide, this controversy highlights the growing vulnerability of job seekers and the urgent need for accountability in public service recruitment.
The Razor News will continue to investigate and provide updates as more facts emerge.
