The Nigeria office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has assured candidates, parents and other stakeholders that the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates would not be disrupted despite the ongoing protest by some members of its workforce.
The examination body gave the assurance in a statement issued on Wednesday by its acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina.
Recall that Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions in WAEC offices nationwide on Wednesday commenced a three-day protest over allegations of management highhandedness, illegal recruitment, imposition of a pay policy, unilateral constitution of investigative panels against workers, and other welfare-related concerns.
According to the council, the ongoing examination has continued “unhindered” despite the industrial action by some workers.
“The Council wishes to reassure candidates, parents, school-owners, stakeholders and the general public of its unwavering commitment to the seamless, hitch-free and successful conduct of the ongoing WASSCE for School Candidates, 2026,” the statement said.
WAEC addresses union allegations
Responding to some of the concerns raised by the union, WAEC said the reduction in the duration of the examination followed the streamlining of subjects from 76 to 38 and the adoption of a hybrid mode of conducting examinations.
“Consequently, the shortened number of days was to reflect the new number of subjects vis-a-vis the hybrid mode of examination conduct,” the council stated.
WAEC also dismissed allegations relating to incessant dismissals and disproportionate sanctions against workers, insisting that all disciplinary and career progression matters were handled in accordance with the council’s staff handbook and relevant statutory provisions.
“All the Council’s disciplinary and career progression matters are handled in line with WAEC staff handbook and relevant statutory provision. Hence, the assertion of incessant dismissal and dis-appropriate sanction raised by the union is fallacious,” the statement reads.
The examination body further defended its engagement of contract Examination Officers (EOs) and Assistant Examination Officers (AEOs), saying the measure was aimed at addressing increasing workloads and ensuring smooth operations across the sub-region.
‘Dialogue ongoing’
While acknowledging that the protest could trigger anxiety among stakeholders, WAEC maintained that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure that the examination timetable remained undisturbed.
The council added that its management was already engaging with the union to resolve the issues.
“We understand that the situation may cause panic or anxiety, but we wish to state categorically that the future of our candidates remains our topmost priority,” the statement added.
It urged members of the public to disregard rumours and misinformation capable of creating confusion regarding the conduct of the examination.
“The Council remains committed to delivering on its mandate of conducting qualitative and reliable educational assessment to the Nigerian child,” it said.
