NECO examiners threaten nationwide protest over unpaid entitlements
Examiners engaged by the National Examinations Council (NECO) to mark the 2024 student examination papers have issued a warning of a nationwide protest due to the non-payment of their entitlements after completing their work. Reports indicate that the examiners are actively mobilising their colleagues across different states for the planned action.
In a letter addressed to the NECO Chief Registrar at the National Headquarters in Minna, which was also distributed to NECO examiners in Plateau State, aggrieved examiners from Kano State expressed their dissatisfaction. The letter, dated November 8, 2024, and shared with Team Leaders and Assistant Examiners across the country, outlined the reasons for their frustration and detailed their demands.
The letter stated, “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.”
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The letter further expressed the examiners’ dismay at the delayed payments, highlighting their crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct and evaluation of the exams. “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,” it read.
The aggrieved examiners issued a two-week ultimatum to NECO, demanding prompt action to resolve the payment issues. “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),” the letter warned. They also hinted at potential legal action against NECO for negligence and disregarding their rights as workers if their demands are not met.
Some NECO examiners, who spoke to journalists in Jos, indicated their willingness to join the protest if their grievances remain unaddressed. Efforts to contact NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, for comments on the matter were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off at the time of reporting.
The examiners hope that their letter will prompt a swift resolution from NECO to avoid any escalation of the situation.
See letter below:
National Examinations Council (NECO),
Kano Central Coordination and Marking Venue,
Rumfa College,
Kano State.
8th November 2024
The Chief Registrar,
National Examinations Council Headquarters,
Minna,
Niger State.
Dear Sir,
I 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 for over a month now, a majority of the examiners are 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 the 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 their peanuts without any further delay. Failure to do so will force the examiners to pursue legal action against the examining body for the 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.
Yours faithfully,
Signed
Kano Examiners
Cc:
Team Leaders in-charge across the Federation
All Team Leaders across the Federation,
All Assistant Examiners across the Federation.
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