Afrigather Examiners engaged by the Nationwide Examinations Council (NECO) to grade the 2024 pupil examination papers have issued a stern warning, threatening a nationwide protest over the delayed fee of their entitlements. Following months of ready with out compensation, the examiners are mobilising colleagues throughout Nigeria, citing frustration with what they describe as “negligence and disrespect” by NECO’s administration.
In a letter despatched on November 8, 2024, to NECO’s Chief Registrar on the nationwide headquarters in Minna, examiners from Kano State raised alarm over the protracted delay in funds. The letter, additionally circulated to staff leaders and assistant examiners nationwide, indicated rising discontent amongst these concerned.
Reviews confirmed that comparable grievances have unfold to Plateau State, sparking nationwide solidarity amongst examiners who argue they’ve been denied rightful wages lengthy after finishing the grading of the exams.
The letter, obtained by information retailers in Jos, reads partially, “Regardless of the examinations being marked over three months in the past and the discharge of candidates’ outcomes over a month in the past, nearly all of the examiners have but to obtain the wages they’re owed for his or her laborious efforts. Solely an insignificant minority have been paid nationwide.”
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The signatories expressed concern that delayed funds ship a discouraging message to educators who play a vital position in Nigeria’s educational assessments, notably in difficult financial instances.
The examiners additional known as for quick intervention, noting that their position in making certain the equity and accuracy of nationwide exams deserves well timed acknowledgment by means of fee. With mounting requires motion throughout a number of states, this protest might convey unprecedented consideration to NECO’s monetary accountability and its dealing with of examiner welfare.
Analysts warn {that a} large-scale protest could disrupt NECO’s operations, doubtlessly affecting the Council’s future actions and the morale of educators concerned in Nigeria’s schooling system. As NECO continues its preparations for upcoming assessments, swift decision of this disaster may very well be important to keep away from compounding tensions inside the educational neighborhood.
NECO representatives have but to publicly handle the considerations or define steps for resolving the grievances, leaving examiners awaiting a response and urging immediate motion from the Council to stop an escalation.
