David Arin, Jos
DAILY COURIER - Examiners employed by the National Examinations Council (NECO) to mark the 2024 examination papers have issued a two-week ultimatum demanding payment for their work, warning they will organize a nationwide protest if their entitlements remain unpaid. The call to action follows widespread discontent among examiners who report that, despite completing their duties over three months ago, the majority have not received their wages.
In a letter dated November 8, 2024, addressed to NECO Chief Registrar at the Council's headquarters in Minna, and circulated among examiners across Nigeria, aggrieved examiners from Kano outlined their frustrations. The letter, which has also been shared with Team Leaders and Assistant Examiners in Plateau and other states, was obtained by Daily Courier in Jos.
The letter reads, in part: “We write to bring to your urgent attention the ongoing issues surrounding the payment of examiners engaged in marking recent NECO examination papers. It is appalling that, despite the examinations being marked over three months ago and the release of results over a month ago, most examiners have yet to receive their payments. Only an insignificant minority have been paid nationwide.”
The letter also emphasized the examiners' frustration over the delay, especially during challenging economic times, adding, “Our dedication and commitment to our duties should not be met with such negligence and disregard for our welfare.”
The examiners have given NECO a two-week deadline to address the unpaid entitlements. Should NECO fail to act, the letter warns, examiners are prepared to carry out a nationwide protest. They are reportedly organizing efforts among colleagues in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure a coordinated demonstration if their demands are not met. The letter concludes with a warning that if the issue persists beyond the deadline, the examiners will “pursue legal action against the examining body for negligence and total disregard for their rights as workers.”
Examiners interviewed by Daily Courier in Jos confirmed they are prepared to join the protest if NECO does not resolve the issue. “We have given our best to this work, only to face months of silence and unpaid wages,” said one examiner, who emphasized the importance of timely payments, especially given the financial strain many are facing.
Attempts to reach NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, for comments was unsuccessful. When contacted by Daily Courier, his phone was reportedly switched off.
The developing situation has put a spotlight on NECO's financial obligations and accountability to its contract workers, with education stakeholders and examiners nationwide awaiting the Council’s response.
