Lagos, Nigeria — March 18, 2025

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has accused the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) of labor injustice, poor welfare conditions, and victimization of union leaders.

Speaking at a press conference held at NASU’s secretariat in Ikeja on Monday, the union’s National General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, criticized WAEC for allegedly violating a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 10 at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja.

Adeyemi condemned WAEC’s continued suppression of trade unionism and claimed the examination body had deliberately victimized NASU members.

“We are here to address critical issues of labor injustice and blatant suppression of trade unionism by the management of WAEC,” Adeyemi stated.

According to him, WAEC issued an internal memo on January 16 halting the deduction of NASU check-off dues, which the union interpreted as retaliation for a lawful strike. Adeyemi described the move as an attempt to weaken NASU’s influence and penalize its members.

In response to what it described as WAEC’s unfair labor practices, NASU has threatened to mobilize for a nationwide strike if its demands are not met.

“We will direct all members of NASU in WAEC Headquarters, Yaba, and all WAEC offices nationwide to commence a comprehensive and total strike with effect from March 24,” Adeyemi warned.

The union has formally informed the Federal Ministry of Labour, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other relevant authorities about its planned action.

NASU has vowed to shut down WAEC operations across Nigeria if the management fails to address its concerns. Adeyemi stressed that the union remains committed to defending its members’ rights and ensuring WAEC honors its MoU obligations.

Efforts to reach WAEC’s management for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.