WAEC Assures Hitch-Free 2026 WASSCE as NASU Protest Enters Day Two

WAEC Assures Hitch-Free 2026 WASSCE as NASU Protest Enters Day Two

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reassured candidates, parents, school owners, and other stakeholders that the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will continue smoothly despite the ongoing nationwide protest by members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).

The assurance came amid growing concerns over a three-day industrial action embarked upon by NASU members across WAEC offices nationwide over allegations of management high-handedness, illegal recruitment practices, welfare concerns, and controversial pay policies.

The protest, which began on Wednesday at WAEC’s national headquarters in Yaba, Lagos, reportedly spread to several regional and state offices across the country, raising fears about possible disruptions to the ongoing examinations.

However, WAEC, in a statement signed by the Acting Head of Public Affairs for the Head of National Office, Moyosola F. Adesina, said the Council had already activated contingency plans to ensure that the 2026 WASSCE proceeds without interruption.

According to the examination body, discussions are currently ongoing with the aggrieved workers to address the issues raised by the union.

“While we are concerned about the rights of unions and staff to express their grievances, we are also committed to ensuring seamless and smooth conduct of the ongoing examination,” the statement read.

WAEC explained that some of the issues raised by NASU had either been misunderstood or misrepresented.

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The Council clarified that the recent adjustment in examination days was a direct consequence of the streamlining of WAEC subjects from 76 to 38, as well as the adoption of a hybrid mode of examination conduct.

It also dismissed allegations of arbitrary dismissals and punitive sanctions against workers, insisting that all disciplinary and career progression matters are handled strictly in line with the provisions of the WAEC Staff Handbook and relevant statutory regulations.

On the controversial recruitment of contract staff, WAEC said the engagement of contract Examination Officers and Assistant Examination Officers was introduced to help manage increasing workloads and improve operational efficiency across the sub-region.

“The engagement of contract staff is a strategic operational measure aimed at enhancing efficiency and ensuring the seamless conduct of the Council’s processes,” WAEC stated.

The Council further urged members of the public to disregard rumours and misinformation capable of creating panic among candidates and parents.

WAEC assured Nigerians that the integrity, credibility, and smooth conduct of the examination remain its top priority.

The Council also reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to delivering reliable educational assessments to students across Nigeria and other member countries, noting that it has sustained that mandate for over 74 years.

Meanwhile, NASU insisted that the protest would continue following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to WAEC management.

In a letter signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, the union accused the management of unilateral decision-making, breach of seniority principles, suspension of staff upgrade programmes, and imposition of a minimum net pay policy without proper consultation.

The union also faulted the constitution of investigative panels without union involvement and expressed concerns over recent changes to the structure of the WASSCE examination.

NASU disclosed that its branches nationwide unanimously agreed during an online meeting to proceed with the industrial action after negotiations with management allegedly failed to produce satisfactory outcomes.

The union warned that the protest could be escalated if the management fails to address its demands.

Despite the labour dispute, WAEC maintained that the ongoing 2026 WASSCE remains stable and uninterrupted nationwide.

The Council disclosed that nearly two million candidates from more than 24,000 secondary schools are currently participating in the examination across Nigeria.

 

WAEC Assures Hitch-Free 2026 WASSCE as NASU Protest Enters Day Two