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Examiners hired by the National Examinations Council (NECO) to mark the 2024 student exams are threatening a nationwide protest over unpaid entitlements.

The examiners, who completed marking three months ago, are mobilising colleagues across states for the protest after expressing frustration over delayed payments.

A letter, dated November 8, 2024, from a group of Kano-based examiners to NECO’s Chief Registrar in Minna, with copies circulated to team leaders and assistant examiners nationwide, stated, “Despite marking the exams over three months ago and results being released a month ago, most examiners have yet to receive their wages. Only a small fraction have been paid.”

The letter warns NECO of a two-week ultimatum to settle the outstanding payments or face a nationwide protest and potential legal action.

Examiners argue that the delay is unacceptable, especially during challenging economic times, and urge NECO to address their demands promptly to prevent disruptions.

The letter read: “Dear Sir, we write to bring to your urgent attention the ongoing issues surrounding the payment of examiners who were engaged in marking the recent examination papers set by the National Examinations Council (NECO). It is very appalling that, despite the examinations being marked over three months ago and the release of the candidates’ results over a month ago, the majority of the examiners have yet to receive the wages they are owed for their laborious efforts. Only an insignificant minority have been paid nationwide.

“As examiners who played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct and evaluation of the examinations, we find it utterly unacceptable that our payments have been delayed for such an extended period. Our dedication and commitment to our duties should not be met with such negligence and disregard for our welfare, especially in these economically trying times.

“Therefore, we hereby give NECO a two-week ultimatum to resolve the issues surrounding the payments of examiners. If this matter is not resolved within the stipulated time frame, the examiners will have no choice but to embark on a nationwide protest through coordinated efforts of members across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja).

“We trust that NECO will take immediate action to rectify this situation and ensure that the examiners are paid without any further delay. Failure to do so will force the examiners to pursue legal action against the examining body for negligence and total disregard for their rights as workers.

“We hope for a prompt and positive response to this matter to prevent any further disruptions or escalations. Thank you.”