Examiners engaged by the National Examinations Council to mark the 2024 students’ examination papers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the non-payment of their entitlements and are now considering a nationwide protest.
The examiners have reportedly started mobilizing colleagues across various states to join the planned demonstration.
A letter, dated November 8, 2024, from aggrieved examiners in Kano, addressed to the NECO Chief Registrar at the Council’s headquarters in Minna, and shared with NECO examiners in Plateau State, confirms the unrest.
The communication, which has been circulated widely among Team Leaders and Assistant Examiners nationwide, details the ongoing frustration and demands for immediate resolution of the payment issue.
The letter read in part, “Dear Sir, we write to bring to your urgent attention the ongoing issues surrounding the payment of examiners who were engaged in marking the recent examination papers set by the National Examinations Council (NECO). It is very appalling that, despite the examinations being marked over three months ago and the release of the candidates’ results over a month ago, the majority of the examiners have yet to receive the wages they are owed for their laborious efforts. Only an insignificant minority have been paid nationwide.
“As examiners who played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct and evaluation of the examinations, we find it utterly unacceptable that our payments have been delayed for such an extended period. Our dedication and commitment to our duties should not be met with such negligence and disregard for our welfare, especially in these economically trying times.
“Therefore, we hereby give NECO a two-week ultimatum to resolve the issues surrounding the payments of examiners. If this matter is not resolved within the stipulated timeframe, the examiners will have no choice but to embark on a nationwide protest through coordinated efforts of members across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja).
“We trust that NECO will take immediate action to rectify this situation and ensure that the examiners are paid without any further delay. Failure to do so will force the examiners to pursue legal action against the examining body for negligence and total disregard for their rights as workers.
“We hope for a prompt and positive response to this matter to prevent any further disruptions or escalations. Thank you.”
Speaking with newsmen in Jos on Sunday, several NECO examiners voiced their readiness to take part in the protest if their demands remain unmet.
They expressed concern over the growing financial strain due to the delayed payments, which have left many examiners in a difficult position.
When contacted for comments the NECO Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, could not be reached as his phone line was switched off.
The delay in payment has sparked widespread frustration among the examiners, and the threat of a nationwide protest appears to be gaining momentum.
If the situation is not addressed within the next two weeks, the examiners are prepared to take collective action, potentially disrupting NECO’s operations and drawing public attention to their grievances.
