WAEC Faces Criticism From NASU Over Union Suppression

WAEC Faces Criticism from NASU Over Union Suppression

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has raised serious concerns about the management of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), accusing it of systematically weakening union activities within the organization. The union has threatened to halt operations at WAEC offices nationwide, including its headquarters in Yaba, Lagos.

NASU, which has historically enjoyed a cooperative relationship with WAEC, claims that the examination body has recently adopted union-busting tactics. The tension escalated after WAEC allegedly failed to honor key agreements outlined in a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2025.

Dispute Over Palliative Payments and Salary Increment

One of the major points of contention is WAEC’s handling of a Federal Government-approved palliative meant to cushion the effects of economic hardship. While a joint committee of union and management representatives recommended a N30,000 monthly payment for six months, WAEC’s leadership unilaterally slashed it to N25,000 and limited it to just three months. This decision, according to NASU, undermined the welfare of employees and disregarded proper labor negotiations.

Additionally, the dispute deepened when WAEC management only partially implemented a proposed 30% salary increase. Initially offering only 25%, the council later adjusted it to 27.5% following a four-day NASU strike from December 9 to 12, 2024. Although the adjustment represented a minor victory, NASU argues that WAEC continues to undermine collective bargaining principles.

Retaliation Against NASU and Check-Off Dues Suspension

The conflict took a new turn on January 16, 2025, when WAEC issued a directive to halt deductions of NASU check-off dues, a move the union describes as retaliatory. Despite NASU’s repeated calls for dialogue, WAEC refused to engage in meaningful discussions, prompting the union to escalate the matter.

Efforts to resolve the dispute through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment led to a reconciliation meeting on March 10, 2025. The resulting MoU required WAEC to resume check-off deductions, but just days later, WAEC issued another memo imposing additional conditions for union dues collection, which NASU considers a breach of agreement.

WAEC’s Actions Violate Labor Laws and International Standards

NASU asserts that WAEC’s actions violate Nigeria’s Labour Act, particularly Section 5(3)(a), which mandates automatic deduction and remittance of union dues without requiring additional employee consent. Furthermore, these actions contravene global labor conventions, including ILO Conventions 87 and 98, which protect workers’ rights to unionize and collectively bargain.

Apart from financial suppression, NASU leaders at WAEC’s Yaba headquarters face intimidation, with management allegedly planning their transfer to weaken union influence. The union believes these tactics are designed to discourage workers from engaging in union activities, further deteriorating employer-employee relations.

NASU Demands Fair Treatment and WAEC’s Compliance

NASU is demanding that WAEC immediately halt its suppression tactics, honor the March 2025 MoU, and fully restore check-off dues deductions. The union also calls on the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to ensure WAEC complies with labor laws and agreements.

The ongoing dispute highlights broader concerns over labor rights in Nigeria. If WAEC fails to address these issues, NASU warns that further industrial actions may be inevitable.

For more information on labor laws and workers’ rights, visit the International Labour Organization.