Strike: Hours after insisting exam will continue, WAEC begs NLC to consider candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has appealed to labour unions to consider candidates sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) amid its ongoing strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Friday declared an indefinite nationwide strike over the federal government’s refusal to increase the minimum wage from N60,000.

The labour unions rejected all proposals from the FG and insisted on N615,500, citing the high cost of living.

They also commenced the indefinite nationwide strike on June 3 — the same period as the ongoing WASSCE.

The exams commenced on April 30 and will end on June 20, 2024.

WAEC on Sunday disclosed that the examinations would continue despite the labour unions’ strike.

But in an interview with NAN on Monday, Amos Dangut, head of national office of WAEC, said the council shares the concerns of the unions and those of the entire Nigerian workforce. 

He reminded the unions of the ongoing WASSCE exams, adding that any disruption would place candidates at a major disadvantage in their academic pursuits.

Dangut also pleaded with the labour unions to “cooperate” and “allow the smooth running” of the exams.

“The attention of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has been drawn to a notice of the commencement of an indefinite strike by NLC and TUC effective Monday, June 3. WAEC shares in the concerns of the generality of Nigerian workers, as most of its employees in Nigeria consist of members of both unions,” he said.

“It is also worthy of mention that the unions have always been partners with WAEC in the successful implementation of its mandate through the years. On this premise, therefore, we wish to, however, gently remind the unions of the ongoing conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates, 2024.

“The examination commenced in Nigeria and other member-countries of WAEC, The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone, on April 30, and is scheduled to end by June 24. The week, June 3 to June 7, is scheduled for the conduct of such papers as Physics, Economics, Government and Civic Education across the federation and some West African countries.

“We hereby appeal to all stakeholders and the unions to cooperate with the council, as always, to allow the continuous smooth and peaceful conduct of the examination as has been scheduled. We remain committed to excellence and the service of the Nigerian people within the mandate of the council.”