The NLC and TUC announced a nationwide strike on Monday following a four-hour meeting with the National Assembly leaders in Abuja on Sunday evening, which did not yield the expected outcomes. In response to the start of the industrial action, T.A.Y Lawson, the Head of National Officer and Branch Controller of WAEC, released a statement on Monday stating that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination would continue as scheduled, unaffected by the nationwide strike.
“The attention of the management has been drawn to a notice of the commencement of the indefinite strike by NLC and TUC effective from Monday, 3rd June, 2024.
“Please be formally informed that the conduct of WASSCE SC 2024 goes on as scheduled,” the statement noted in part.”
The statement noted that although the commission understood the concerns of the unions and Nigerians, the exams would continue as scheduled across all WAEC member countries, ensuring that Nigerian students do not miss out.
“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 statement added.
The exams scheduled for Monday include Physics 3 (Practical) (Alternative B), Computer Studies 3 (Practical), Insurance 2 (Essay), and Insurance 1 (Objective).
The labor unions have stated that the current ₦30,000 minimum wage is inadequate for the average Nigerian worker’s needs. They also highlighted that not all governors are complying with this wage, which expired in April 2024, five years after the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 was enacted by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The Act requires a review every five years to address the evolving economic needs of workers.