Examiners hired by the National Examinations Council (NECO) to mark the 2024 student examination scripts have threatened a nationwide protest due to unpaid fees following the completion of their work.
Reports indicate that the examiners are mobilising colleagues across various states in preparation for the planned protest.
A letter from discontented examiners in Kano addressed to the NECO Chief Registrar at the National Headquarters in Minna has been shared with NECO examiners in Plateau State, further confirming the protest plan.
Dated November 8, 2024, the letter was also distributed to team leaders and assistant examiners across the country.
It read: “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 labourious 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 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 without any further delay. Failure to do so will force the examiners to pursue legal action against the examining body for 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.”
Several NECO examiners expressed their willingness to join the planned protest if their grievances remain unaddressed.
Attempts to reach NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off when contacted.
