By Abigail Philip David
Examiners hired by the National Examinations Council (NECO) to grade 2024 exam papers have threatened a nationwide protest due to unpaid allowances, despite having completed their marking duties months ago.
Reports indicate that the examiners have begun mobilizing colleagues across states for the planned protest. A letter from frustrated Kano examiners, addressed to the NECO Chief Registrar in Minna and circulated to examiners in Plateau State, confirmed the development.
The letter, dated November 8, 2024, was shared with all team leaders and assistant examiners nationwide. It stated, “Dear Sir, we write to bring to your urgent attention the unresolved payment issues affecting examiners who marked the recent NECO examination papers. It is disheartening that over three months after the exams were marked—and more than a month since results were released—the majority of examiners remain unpaid, with only a small number receiving their allowances.”
The examiners expressed frustration over the delay, citing that their “dedication and commitment” should not be met with “negligence” during these tough economic times. They issued NECO a two-week ultimatum to address the payment issue, warning that if unresolved, they would proceed with a coordinated protest across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The letter continued, “We trust that NECO will act promptly to ensure examiners are paid without further delay. Failure to do so will compel us to take legal action against NECO for negligence and disregard for workers’ rights.”
Some examiners who spoke in Jos expressed readiness to join the protest if their demands are not met. Attempts to reach NECO’s Registrar and CEO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, were unsuccessful, as his phone was unreachable.
