NECO examiners threaten nationwide protest over unpaid wages

Examiners engaged by the National Examinations Council (NECO) to grade the 2024 student examination papers have issued a stern warning, threatening a nationwide protest over the delayed payment of their entitlements. Following months of waiting without compensation, the examiners are mobilising colleagues across Nigeria, citing frustration with what they describe as “negligence and disregard” by NECO’s management.

In a letter sent on November 8, 2024, to NECO’s Chief Registrar at the national headquarters in Minna, examiners from Kano State raised alarm over the protracted delay in payments. The letter, also circulated to team leaders and assistant examiners nationwide, indicated growing discontent among those involved.

Reports confirmed that similar grievances have spread to Plateau State, sparking nationwide solidarity among examiners who argue they’ve been denied rightful wages long after completing the grading of the exams.

The letter, obtained by news outlets in Jos, reads in part, “Despite the examinations being marked over three months ago and the release of 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.”

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The signatories expressed concern that delayed payments send a discouraging message to educators who play an essential role in Nigeria’s academic assessments, particularly in challenging economic times.

The examiners further called for immediate intervention, noting that their role in ensuring the fairness and accuracy of national exams deserves timely acknowledgment through payment. With mounting calls for action across multiple states, this protest could bring unprecedented attention to NECO’s financial accountability and its handling of examiner welfare.

Analysts warn that a large-scale protest may disrupt NECO’s operations, potentially affecting the Council’s future activities and the morale of educators involved in Nigeria’s education system. As NECO continues its preparations for upcoming assessments, swift resolution of this crisis could be essential to avoid compounding tensions within the academic community.

NECO representatives have yet to publicly address the concerns or outline steps for resolving the grievances, leaving examiners awaiting a response and urging prompt action from the Council to prevent an escalation.