Victoria Mgbanwa
Examiners who participated in marking the 2024 National Examinations Council (NECO) examination papers have raised alarm over the delay in receiving their allowances, despite the completion of their work months ago. With many examiners still awaiting payment, there is growing unrest among the group, prompting them to issue a formal warning to NECO.
In a letter dated November 8, 2024, addressed to the NECO Chief Registrar, examiners from Kano highlighted the issue and circulated the message to their colleagues in other states, including Plateau. The letter outlines the dissatisfaction of the examiners, who claim they have not been paid for their work despite the release of the students’ results over a month ago. Only a small fraction of examiners, they say, have received their due allowances.
The letter states, “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 for over a month now, a majority of the examiners are 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 the 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 their peanuts 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.”
NECO will need to address the concerns of the examiners soon to avoid further disruption and possible legal complications, which could overshadow the successful completion of this year’s examination process.
