Nationwide Protest Looms as Unpaid NECO Examiners Cry Foul
Naijawebinfo has learned that examiners hired by the National Examinations Council (NECO) to mark 2024 exam papers are gearing up for a nationwide protest over unpaid entitlements, citing frustration with delayed compensation.
A letter from examiners in Kano State, obtained by The Punch correspondent in Jos, serves as a rallying cry for their colleagues across the country. The letter, dated November 8, 2024, is addressed to NECO’s Chief Registrar at the headquarters in Minna and highlights the examiners’ role in the success of NECO’s operations.
The letter emphasizes the unacceptable delay in payment, particularly during these economically challenging times. “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),” the letter states.
The examiners express disappointment that despite marking the exams over three months ago and releasing results over a month ago, many have yet to receive their wages. They claim that only a small minority have been paid nationwide. The letter adds, “Our dedication and commitment to our duties should not be met with such negligence and disregard for our welfare.”
The examiners have given NECO a two-week ultimatum to resolve the payment issues. If the issue is not resolved within this timeframe, they plan to stage a nationwide protest through coordinated efforts of members across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja).
The letter concludes by expressing hope for a prompt and positive response to the matter, adding that failure to resolve the issue may lead to legal action against NECO for negligence and disregard for their rights as workers.
