Examiners who were engaged by the National Examinations Council (NECO) to mark the 2024 student’s examination papers, threatened to stage a nationwide protest over the non-payment of their entitlements despite completing their assignments.
Sources indicate that the examiners have begun mobilizing their colleagues across various states for the planned protest.
In a letter addressed to the NECO Chief Registrar at the National Headquarters in Minna, Kano-based examiners, who also circulated the letter to NECO examiners in Plateau State, confirmed the growing unrest.
The letter, dated November 8, 2024, was shared with all Team Leaders and Assistant Examiners nationwide and was obtained by our correspondent in Jos on Sunday.
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.”
The examiners emphasized that, “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.”
The letter further warned NECO, “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).”
The aggrieved examiners concluded, “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.”
Several NECO examiners in Jos who spoke with our correspondent on Sunday expressed readiness to join the protest if their demands are not addressed.
Efforts to contact the NECO Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone number was unreachable.
