WAEC vs NASU: Union Threatens Strike Over Unfair Labour Practices

By DAYO ADESULU

NASU Accuses WAEC of Anti-Union Practices, Threatens Nationwide Strike

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has raised concerns over what it describes as a deliberate policy by the management of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to suppress union activities and disregard workers’ rights. The union has threatened to shut down all WAEC offices nationwide, including its Yaba headquarters, if the examination body fails to address its grievances.

WAEC’s Alleged Violation of Labour Agreements

At the heart of the dispute is WAEC’s failure to honor agreements reached in a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2025. NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, expressed deep concern over WAEC’s refusal to implement agreed-upon resolutions, calling it an attack on unionized workers and a violation of fundamental labour rights in Nigeria.

“In 2023, amidst the tough economic climate, the Federal Government approved a monthly palliative of N35,000 for workers. A committee, which included both union and WAEC representatives, recommended a payment of N30,000 for six months. However, WAEC’s management, led by the Head of the National Office (HNO), unilaterally decided on N25,000 for only three months. It took intense pressure from NASU and other workers before WAEC reluctantly adopted the proposed figure but for a shorter duration,” Adeyemi stated.

Salary Review Controversy and Unfulfilled Promises

The disagreement over palliative payments is just one of many issues fueling tensions between WAEC and NASU. In December 2024, a salary review committee recommended a 30% salary increase for staff. However, WAEC management only approved a 25% increase, which led to a four-day strike from December 9 to 12, 2024. Following negotiations, a compromise was reached, and workers received a 27.5% increase.

“While NASU members secured a partial victory, this episode exposed WAEC’s disregard for collective bargaining. The council’s failure to fully implement agreed-upon terms has further eroded trust between management and employees,” Adeyemi added.

WAEC’s Retaliation Against NASU Members

Even after the salary dispute was resolved, WAEC management allegedly took retaliatory steps against the union. On January 16, 2025, an internal memo ordered the stoppage of NASU check-off dues deductions, a move widely interpreted as punitive action against the union for organizing the strike. Despite NASU’s repeated appeals for a reversal of this decision, WAEC has remained unresponsive.

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In what NASU describes as an attempt to weaken its leadership, WAEC has reportedly initiated plans to transfer the union branch leaders from the Yaba headquarters to other locations across Nigeria. According to the union, these actions are aimed at silencing the union and discouraging collective bargaining.

“This is a direct attack on union leadership and an infringement on the fundamental rights of workers to organize. WAEC’s actions are not just unlawful but also set a dangerous precedent for labour relations in Nigeria,” NASU said in a statement.

Labour Ministry Intervention and WAEC’s Breach of MoU

In response to the escalating conflict, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment intervened, inviting both parties to a reconciliation meeting on March 10, 2025. At the end of the negotiations, an MoU was signed, mandating WAEC to immediately reinstate the check-off dues deductions.

However, just days later, WAEC issued another internal memo imposing an additional requirement that the union members provide individual consent before deductions could resume. NASU has described this move as a clear breach of the agreement and an attempt to obstruct union operations.

“WAEC’s actions violate both the MoU and Nigeria’s Labour Act, particularly Section 5(3)(a), which states that once a trade union is recognized, employers must deduct and remit union dues without requiring additional consent. Furthermore, these actions contravene international labour standards, including ILO Conventions 87 and 98, which guarantee workers the right to freely associate and engage in collective bargaining,” NASU asserted.

NASU Issues Final Warning to WAEC

As tensions continue to rise, NASU has warned that it will take decisive action if WAEC does not reverse its anti-union policies. The union is calling for:

1. Immediate reinstatement of check-off dues deductions in line with the March 10 MoU.
2. Cessation of targeted transfers of NASU leaders and union members.
3. Implementation of all previously agreed salary adjustments and benefits without further delays.
4. Respect for workers’ rights to union representation and collective bargaining.

NASU has given WAEC a seven-day ultimatum to comply or face a nationwide shutdown of all WAEC offices.

WAEC’s Silence and Potential Implications

Despite multiple efforts by NASU to initiate dialogue, WAEC has remained largely silent on the matter. The potential shutdown of WAEC operations could disrupt crucial examinations and administrative processes across West Africa.

Labour experts warn that WAEC’s continued refusal to engage in fair labour practices could damage its credibility and create long-term instability within the organization.

Conclusion: Time for WAEC to Act

As the conflict between WAEC and NASU escalates, stakeholders are urging WAEC management to prioritize dialogue and compliance with legal agreements. The union remains resolute in its fight for justice, emphasizing that workers’ rights cannot be compromised.

The question now is whether WAEC will address these concerns or risk a prolonged industrial action that could significantly disrupt Nigeria’s education sector. The coming days will be critical in determining the outcome of this labour dispute.

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Dayo Adesulu, online editor, SEO expert

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