Operations at the national headquarters of the West African Examinations Council in Yaba, Lagos, were disrupted on Thursday as workers continued a nationwide protest over welfare issues and alleged unfair labour practices.
The protest, organised by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, entered its second day with workers marching from the WAEC headquarters in Yaba to the council’s Special Printing Division in Somolu before returning to the main office.
Carrying placards and singing solidarity songs, the protesters demanded better working conditions and accused the management of victimisation, intimidation and discriminatory treatment of staff. The industrial action is expected to continue for three days.
The demonstration temporarily halted activities at the Yaba office, leaving candidates, parents and other visitors unable to access services during the protest period.
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Speaking during the protest, NASU-WAEC Chairman, Kayode Ogunyade, alleged that the management of the examination body had failed to uphold fair labour standards and was placing excessive pressure on workers.
He claimed that staff members had faced sanctions and intimidation following previous disagreements with management, especially after the union’s strike over minimum wage issues in December 2024.
Ogunyade also raised concerns over increasing workload despite a reduction in staff strength caused by retirements, resignations and deaths among workers.
According to him, WAEC officials operate across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria during examinations, making their responsibilities more demanding than those of some other examination bodies.
He further criticised the recruitment process for contract examination officers, insisting that due process should be followed in all appointments.
The union leader added that no fresh dialogue had been initiated by management since the protest began.
