Operations at the national headquarters of the West African Examinations Council in Yaba, Lagos, were temporarily stalled on Thursday as workers continued a nationwide protest over unresolved welfare issues and alleged unfair labour practices.
The demonstration, organised by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, entered its second day with workers marching from the council’s headquarters to its Special Printing Division in Somolu and back.
Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters demanded improved welfare conditions and an end to what they described as “impunity” and “discriminatory practices” within the examination body. The industrial action is expected to last three days.
The protest disrupted activities at the Yaba office, as parents, candidates, and other visitors were asked to return later in the day after the demonstration.
Speaking during the protest, NASU-WAEC Chairman, Kayode Ogunyade, accused the Head of WAEC National Office, Amos Dangut, of undermining acceptable labour practices and imposing excessive workload on workers.
He said the protest was aimed at drawing public attention to alleged intimidation and suppression within the council, adding that union members had faced punitive measures following previous disagreements with management.
“The agitation is that impunity in our system is on the highest level,” Ogunyade said, alleging that management had silenced dissenting voices within the organisation.
He further claimed that staff strength haddeclined due to deaths, resignations, retirements, and disciplinary actions, yet examination schedules remained compressed, placing pressure on workers.
“You cannot reduce the staff strength and still compress the examination timetable into three weeks. Automatically, that creates pressure on workers,” he said.
Ogunyade also raised concerns over the recruitment of contract Examination Officers and Assistant Examination Officers, insisting that due process must be followed. He added that issues surrounding career progression and alleged irregularities in recruitment contributed to the protest.
The demonstration followed a seven-day ultimatum issued by NASU’s national leadership to WAEC management over nine demands, including staff welfare, disciplinary procedures, and recruitment practices.
Despite the protest, WAEC had earlier assured stakeholders that the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination would not be disrupted.
The council maintained that its operations remained intact, noting that adjustments to the examination timetable were due to a reduction in subjects from 76 to 38. It also stated that disciplinary measures taken against staff were in line with its internal regulations and denied allegations of unfair dismissals.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions between staff and management within the council, even as critical national examinations continue across the country.
Credit: ThePunch
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.