Examiners hired by the National Examinations Council (NECO) to mark the 2024 examination papers have threatened to stage a nationwide protest due to non-payment of their entitlements.
The examiners claim they have not been compensated despite completing the marking process months ago.
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A letter dated November 8, 2024, addressed to the NECO Chief Registrar in Minna, has been circulating among examiners in states like Kano and Plateau. It highlighted the examiners’ grievances, stressing the financial struggles faced due to the delayed payments.
The letter stated, “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 aggrieved examiners expressed disappointment over NECO’s failure to fulfill its financial obligations, especially considering the current economic situation. “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,” the letter continued.
The examiners have issued a two-week ultimatum to NECO, demanding immediate resolution of the payment issues. If NECO fails to address their concerns within this period, the examiners warned of coordinated protests across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“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,” the letter read.
Attempts to reach NECO’s Registrar, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, for comments were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off when contacted by our correspondent. Some examiners in Jos have already indicated their willingness to join the protest if their demands are not met promptly.
