The examiners hired by the National Examinations Council (NECO) to mark 2024 exam papers have threatened a nationwide protest over unpaid entitlements following their completed assignment.
They are said to be rallying their colleagues nationwide in preparation for the planned protest, expressing frustration over the delayed compensation.
In a letter addressed to NECO’s Chief Registrar at the headquarters in Minna, disgruntled examiners from Kano State expressed their frustration, with copies shared to colleagues in Plateau and other states.
The letter, dated November 8, 2024, and distributed to team leaders and assistant examiners nationwide, was obtained by The Punch correspondent in Jos on Sunday.
The examiners highlighted their role in the success of NECO’s operations and called the payment delays “unacceptable,” particularly amid economic hardships.
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.”