NASU Warns WAEC Against Dictatorial Practices, Threatens Fresh Strike

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has warned the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) against what it described as dictatorial practices, urging the examination body to embrace dialogue to prevent another industrial crisis.

Matthew Ogunyade, Chairman of NASU, WAEC Nigeria, made this known on Monday, August 24, during a peaceful rally at the council’s National Office in Yaba, Lagos.

The rally was organised to express the union’s concerns over what it described as worsening industrial relations under the leadership of Amos Dangut, Head of the National Office of WAEC, Nigeria.

Ogunyade said the dispute between NASU and WAEC had continued to raise concerns over staff welfare, workplace relations and the possibility of industrial action affecting the council’s operations.

“NASU’s WAEC Nigeria remains open to dialogue with management, but the Amos Dangut-led administration is failing to resolve several issues affecting our members. We don’t want to disrupt the council’s activities but would continue to defend our interests through lawful means,” he said.

“We do not desire disruption of council activities. However, a peaceful, motivated, and fairly treated workforce is the bedrock of credible examinations,” Ogunyade added.

The labour dispute covers several issues, including staff development, disciplinary procedures, promotion, recruitment, union representation and the scheduling of examination-related duties.

According to Ogunyade, the union had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum following what it described as management’s failure to address its concerns. The ultimatum was expected to culminate in an indefinite strike on July 22, 2026.

He said subsequent meetings between the union and WAEC management failed to resolve the outstanding issues, despite extensive discussions. Ogunyade disclosed that one of the meetings lasted from 3:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.

“We remain committed to peaceful resolution, but we will not compromise on the rights, welfare and dignity of our members,” he said.

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A major point of contention, according to the union, is the scheduling of examination-related activities.

Ogunyade alleged that the management reduced the packing schedule for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) from 48 hours to 24 hours, which he said placed excessive pressure on staff.

NASU further alleged that three members of staff died during the examination period and linked the deaths to fatigue caused by the compressed work schedule.

The claim could not be independently verified, and the union maintained that the deaths were connected to fatigue and excessive work pressure.

According to NASU, the management later returned to the 48-hour packing schedule, but the union argued that the adjustment came after staff had already been exposed to intense pressure.

The union consequently called for a review of examination work schedules to ensure that operational deadlines do not compromise the welfare of employees.

NASU also criticised the suspension of the staff upgrade programme, saying workers had invested time and resources in preparing for the process before it was halted.

The union demanded that WAEC provide clarity on the decision and reinstate and conclude the programme through a transparent process.

Another issue raised by NASU was the constitution of panels without union representation. The union called for a review of panels it considered to have been improperly constituted.

Ogunyade also cited the case of Elizabeth Okolie, the branch treasurer, who he said was subjected to a disciplinary panel and denied promotion over what he described as a minor incident at WAEC Press House in Lagos.

He also referred to the dismissal of Sanni Moshood and other workers, insisting that disciplinary action must follow due process.

“We are not saying that staff should not be disciplined where there are genuine cases of misconduct. What we are insisting on is fairness, due process and the right of affected workers to representation,” Ogunyade said.

On WAEC’s decision to approach the National Industrial Court of Nigeria for an interim injunction restraining the union from embarking on industrial action, Ogunyade urged the council to allow the judicial process to run its course.

“We demand that management obey the court process and allow the law to take its course, because such actions amount to contempt of court, and would ultimately be a matter for judicial determination,” he said.

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Ogunyade called on the Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, WAEC’s Administrative and Finance Committee and other stakeholders to intervene in the dispute.

He said the union’s immediate priority was to return both parties to meaningful negotiations while addressing the workplace concerns that had repeatedly brought industrial relations at WAEC to the brink of disruption.

“Our priority is to return both sides to meaningful negotiations while addressing the underlying workplace concerns that have repeatedly brought industrial relations to the brink of disruption,” he said.

“Our position is very clear: dialogue is the best way forward, but dialogue must be meaningful and must produce results,” Ogunyade added.

He stressed that resolving the dispute was particularly important because WAEC’s examination operations affect students, schools and families that depend on the credibility and reliability of its examination system.

According to him, resolving the conflict would require more than simply reaching an agreement to suspend industrial action. He called for clearer mechanisms for addressing staff grievances, disciplinary procedures, promotion, recruitment and examination workloads before such issues escalate into industrial disputes.

“We want a WAEC where management and workers can work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect, fairness and trust,” Ogunyade said.

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