The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has refuted allegations of anti-labour practices made by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), following claims that the examination body reneged on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 10 at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, NASU National Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, accused WAEC of labour injustice, victimization of union leaders, and halting the deduction of NASU check-off dues—a move the union described as retaliatory for a previous strike action. He warned that failure to honor the agreement could lead to a nationwide strike.
However, WAEC, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Moyosola Adesina, denied breaching the agreement, stating that plans were in place to reinstate the deduction of staff check-off dues as agreed. The council also dismissed claims that it had suspended trade union activities, affirming its recognition of NASU as a registered trade union in compliance with the Trade Unions Act.
On concerns about the transfer of NASU executive members, WAEC maintained that staff transfers were routine and aimed at career progression, in line with the organization’s conditions of service.
The dispute dates back to December 2024, when NASU members embarked on an indefinite strike over WAEC’s alleged reluctance to implement a 30% salary increase and refusal to reinstate four junior workers dismissed at the Ikeja Zonal Office. The strike was later suspended after an agreement was reached for a 27.5% salary increase across all cadres.
