The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has distanced itself from the national strike called by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The NLC and TUC declared a nationwide strike on Monday, 3 June 2024, after a four-hour meeting with the National Assembly’s leadership in Abuja on Sunday, 2 June 2024, failed to yield the expected results.

Following the beginning of the industrial action, the Head of National Officer, Branch Controller, WAEC, T.A.Y Lawson, issued a statement on Monday, 3 May 2024, dismissing the strike and stating that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination would continue as scheduled despite the nationwide strike.

“The Management’s attention has been drawn to a notice of the NLC and TUC’s indefinite strike beginning Monday, 3 June  2024. Please be formally informed that the WASSCE SC 2024 will be held as scheduled,” 

According to the statement, the commission stated that, while it shared the concerns of the unions and the general public, the examinations will take place across WAEC’s member countries and that the Nigerian child would not be disadvantaged by missing the exams.

“For the aforesaid reason, WAEC will conduct the exams, and school principals, supervisors, parents, and the general public should please take note and make adequate arrangements for their children to sit for the exam,” the organization stated.

According to the Labour Union, the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 is insufficient for the well-being of Nigerian workers. The old minimum wage expires in April 2024, five years after former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Minimum Wage Act of 2019. Not all Governors are paying for it. The Act should be revised every five years to ensure that it meets the current economic demands of workers.

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