NECO examiners plan protest over unpaid allowances

Examiners engaged by the National Examinations Council to mark the 2024 students’ examination papers have threatened to embark on nationwide protest over the non-payment of their allowances after completing the assignment.

It was learnt that the examiners have started mobilising their colleagues across the states for the planned protest.

A letter written to the NECO Chief Registrar in Minna by aggrieved Kano examiners and circulated to NECO examiners in Plateau State confirmed the development.

The letter, dated November 8, 2024, and copied to all team leaders in charge across the federation and all assistant examiners across the federation was obtained by our correspondent in Jos on Sunday.

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 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 time frame, 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).”

It added “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 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.”

Some of the  NECO examiners who spoke with our correspondent in Jos on Sunday said they were ready to participate in the protest if nothing was done to address their demand.

Efforts to speak with the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NECO, Prof Dantani Wushishi, on the matter failed as his telephone line indicated that it was switched off when contacted by our correspondent.