The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has raised serious allegations against the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), citing labor injustices, poor working conditions, and suppression of union activities. The union has warned that unless these issues are promptly addressed, it will initiate a nationwide shutdown of WAEC offices across Nigeria.
NASU’s Grievances Against WAEC
During a press briefing held at the NASU secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos, the union’s National General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, accused WAEC of disregarding a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 10, 2025, at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja.
According to Adeyemi, WAEC has failed to honor agreements related to worker welfare, engaged in retaliatory actions against union leaders, and deliberately obstructed the union’s activities. He particularly condemned WAEC’s decision to halt the deduction of NASU check-off dues—a move the union views as punitive and illegal.
“We are here to address critical issues of labor injustice and blatant suppression of trade unionism by the management of WAEC,” Adeyemi stated.
Impending Nationwide Industrial Action
NASU has vowed to escalate its response should WAEC fail to comply with its demands.
“We will direct all NASU members in WAEC Headquarters, Yaba, and across all WAEC offices nationwide to commence a total and indefinite strike starting from March 24,” Adeyemi warned.
In preparation for this action, NASU has officially notified the Federal Ministry of Labour, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other relevant authorities.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict stems from NASU’s demand for the full implementation of a 30% salary increase, which was initially agreed upon in December 2024. However, following an industrial action by the union, WAEC allegedly reduced the increment to 27.5%, a decision NASU perceives as retaliatory.
Further escalating tensions, WAEC issued an internal memo on January 16, 2025, halting the deduction of NASU check-off dues. NASU argues that this move contravenes Section 5(3)(a) of the Nigerian Labour Act, which mandates employers to deduct and remit union dues without requiring additional consent from employees.
On March 10, 2025, both parties signed an MoU at the Federal Ministry of Labour to resolve these disputes, including an agreement to resume check-off dues deductions. However, NASU alleges that WAEC later imposed additional conditions not included in the MoU, such as seeking individual consent from employees before deducting union dues.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Adeyemi emphasized that WAEC’s actions violate multiple labor laws and international agreements:
- Nigeria’s Labour Act and Trade Union Act – Mandates employers to remit union dues without additional consent.
- International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98 – Protect workers’ rights to freely associate and engage in collective bargaining.
Claims of Victimization and Retaliation
NASU further accuses WAEC of targeting union officials through unfair transfers aimed at weakening the union’s influence within the organization.
“WAEC must fully implement the March 10 MoU, including automatic deduction and remittance of NASU dues,” Adeyemi demanded.
He also insisted that WAEC cease all forms of victimization and reverse any punitive transfers of NASU branch leaders.
Final Warning and Legal Action
NASU has given WAEC a seven-day ultimatum to meet its demands. If the council fails to comply, the union will take the following actions:
- Initiate legal proceedings against WAEC for breaching labor laws.
- Mobilize for an indefinite nationwide strike, shutting down all WAEC offices.
“We will not hesitate to take legal action if WAEC continues to violate workers’ rights,” Adeyemi concluded.
Meanwhile, the ongoing standoff between NASU and WAEC could significantly disrupt WAEC’s operations nationwide. With the strike set to begin on March 24, stakeholders—including students, parents, and educational authorities—will be closely watching to see how the situation unfolds. As NASU stands firm on its demands, the onus is now on WAEC to address these grievances and prevent a nationwide shutdown of its offices.
