By Gabriel Dike
The management of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has denied allegations that the council victimised union leaders and violated the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Non-Academic Staff (NASU).
WAEC, in a statement signed by the acting Public Affairs Officer, Moyosola Adesina, said the council is an employer that upholds and values human rights to the highest degree and will never disregard the rights of its employees.
“The council is a law-abiding organisation that upholds the principles of justice, equity, and order. This commitment to legality is evident in the mode the council conducts its affairs, always adhering to established rules and regulations of its host country,’’ she stated.
The council categorically stated that it has not breached the MoU it signed with NASU over their outstanding demands nor victimised any staff.
The management of WAEC on Tuesday said it took notice of a story circulating regarding the alleged “Breach of MoU agreed upon at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with ref: L/GAD/40/IX/46 dated 14th March 2025” that is currently being disseminated in the media, which is not true.
It added: “In response to the issues raised in the declaration of the trade dispute earlier raised by the NASU and the MoU entered into between NASU and WAEC on March 10, 2025, at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. WAEC wishes to affirm that it has not receded on the agreements reached during that meeting to reinstate the deduction of staff check-off dues by March 2025.
“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.
“Consequently, the issue of the non-recognition of NASU members in branch offices of the council earlier mentioned did not hold water as the management of WAEC declared that it recognises NASU as a registered trade union in line with the provisions of the Trade Unions Act.”
She disclosed that the alleged threat of transferring NASU executives to other parts of the country and the alleged victimisation of members could not be substantiated.
“The council clarified that the transfer of its staff to other parts of the country is aimed at career progression and for staff to gain more experience, inner working, and knowledge on the job. Moreover, the Conditions of Service booklet issued to staff upon resumption of duty in WAEC clearly states that in line with the discharge of duty, staff may be transferred from one station to another during their professional career(s) in the council,” she said.
According to the image-maker, the council has never disparaged NASU and will never engage with staff outside of the organisation’s code of conduct, thus never harbouring the intention to victimise staff.
“Overall, the council’s dedication to being a law-abiding organisation extends beyond mere compliance; it reflects a deep-seated commitment to upholding the values of justice and integrity in all its endeavours. Through its unwavering adherence to legal principles and continuous efforts to improve legal literacy among its members, the council sets a commendable example of responsible governance and ethical conduct,’’ Adesina noted.