The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) in Nigeria has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the management of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), threatening to shut down its offices nationwide and commence an indefinite strike if workers’ grievances are not addressed.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Monday, NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, accused WAEC of victimizing union leaders, suppressing trade union activities, and failing to honor agreements with the union. He warned that if these issues remain unresolved by Monday, March 24, NASU members in WAEC offices nationwide would embark on a total shutdown.
Adeyemi explained that tensions escalated in 2023 when the Federal Government approved a N35,000 monthly palliative for federal workers to cushion the economic crisis. While many agencies implemented the payment, WAEC only provided N25,000 for three months and later agreed to a 27.5% salary increase instead of the 30% initially recommended.
“The management has since resorted to victimizing union leaders, halting check-off dues, and planning to transfer union executives as a form of punishment,” Adeyemi alleged.
He insisted that WAEC’s actions violate labor laws and international labor standards. “We demand an immediate end to all forms of victimization, the restoration of union rights, and full compliance with our March 10 Memorandum of Understanding,” he stated.
Reacting to the development, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, told newsmen that she was yet to receive an official response from WAEC’s management on the matter.
With the ultimatum in place, all eyes are on WAEC to either resolve the impasse or face a major industrial action that could disrupt the council’s operations nationwide.
