By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has denied allegations made by the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) accusing the examination body of violating their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and engaging in anti-labour practices.
NASU claimed that WAEC had failed to honour the agreements reached on March 10, including the reinstatement of staff check-off dues. The union also accused WAEC of labour injustice, victimization of union leaders, and issuing an internal memo halting the deduction of NASU check-off dues, which NASU views as a retaliatory act.
In response, WAEC’s spokesperson, Moyosola Adesina, stated that the examination council has not violated the agreements reached on March 10. Adesina clarified that WAEC recognizes NASU as a registered trade union and has never taken any action to suspend union activities.
“For the avoidance of doubt, regarding the issue raised about the unilateral suspension of union activities in the council, it was agreed by both parties that the management of the council had never done anything to put up any action to suspend trade union activities in the council,” Adesina said.
Regarding the transfer of NASU executive members, WAEC explained that staff transfers are aimed at career progression and gaining experience. The examination body emphasized that it has never belittled NASU and will not engage in victimizing staff.
“Finally, the council has never disparaged NASU and will never engage with staff outside of the organization’s code of conduct, thus never harbouring any intention of victimizing staff,” Adesina stated.
The dispute between NASU and WAEC may lead to a nationwide strike if the issues are not resolved.
