Workers of the Nigeria National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) are set to embark on a three-day nationwide protest beginning Wednesday, over allegations of unfair recruitment practices, poor pay policies, and what they describe as heavy-handed management decisions.
The industrial action, expected to kick off at the Council’s headquarters in Lagos, is also set to spread to WAEC offices across Nigeria, including regional and state branches.
The protest is being led by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), which accused WAEC management of unilateral policy decisions, violations of staff seniority rules, and punitive actions against employees.
In a letter dated May 5 and signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, the Union outlined multiple grievances and issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding urgent resolution before the strike action.
Among their complaints are the suspension of staff promotion exercises, introduction of a controversial minimum net pay policy, constitution of disciplinary panels without staff input, recruitment irregularities, and adjustments to the WASSCE examination structure.
NASU stated that its members unanimously resolved to proceed with the protest after the expiration of the ultimatum, following consultations across its branches nationwide via an online meeting.
The Union warned that the action could be escalated further if management fails to address its demands.
In its response dated May 8, WAEC management denied several of the allegations, insisting that all decisions were taken within approved conditions of service and in response to staff concerns.
The examination body also clarified that some policy changes, including adjustments to the WASSCE examination duration, were implemented in line with directives from the Federal Ministry of Education.
WAEC further disclosed that the proposed minimum net pay policy had been suspended, adding that established grievance channels remain open for staff complaints.
Despite assurances that it is fully prepared to conduct a smooth 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for 1,959,636 candidates across 24,207 schools, the looming industrial action raises concerns about possible disruptions.
This is not the first time WAEC workers have downed tools, as similar protests in 2024 disrupted operations in several offices, particularly in Lagos.
As of the time of filing this report, WAEC had yet to issue an official statement on the planned protest.
