Examiners Give NECO 2-Week Ultimatum for Wages to Be Paid else...

Independent examiners who graded the recent National Examination Council (NECO) candidates are threatening to embark on a nationwide protest if their wages are not paid in the next two weeks.

The examiners concluded the marking and grading processes three months ago and the results were released in September.

However, the examination body has yet to pay these examiners for their services.

The examiners communicated their demand to the leadership of NECO in a November 8 letter.

The letter was copied to all team leaders in the country, putting them on alert ahead of the protest day if the NECO failed to meet their requests.

"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),ÔÇØ the letter read in part.

"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.ÔÇØ

Giving a two-week ultimatum, the examiners said they would stage a national protest if their complaint was not resolved timely:

"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.ÔÇØ

Strikes are not alien features of Nigeria's public education sector. These demonstrations from examiners rarely make headlines as strike actions affecting tertiary institutions usually make the headlines.