From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Leaders of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), have urged stronger union solidarity, improved staff welfare, and urgent security interventions across examination centres during the 46th Annual National Congress of NASU WAEC, held at the WAEC Ilorin Branch Office.
The two-day gathering brought together national officers of NASU, WAEC management officials, labour leaders, and delegates from across Nigeria to discuss strategies for protecting workers’ rights in a rapidly changing work environment.
Chairman of the Congress, Comrade Kayode Ogunyade, described the meeting as timely, given the rising insecurity, economic hardship, and infrastructural challenges confronting Nigerian workers.
Related News
“We are living in difficult times marked by insecurity, economic hardship and infrastructural decay, yet we have remained standing as a union because of our unity and comradeship,” Ogunyade said. “Our strength is in our togetherness. We must not allow sentiments or personal interests to divide us.”
Ogunyade also praised the WAEC Ilorin Branch and national NASU leadership for their support, noting that the congress’s successful organization reflected unprecedented cooperation and commitment to the union’s objectives. Five veteran unionists, including Comrades Adelekun Adedamola, Adeyeye Samuel Sunday, and John Akpojotor Edafevwiroro, were recognised with the NASU-WAEC 2026 Outstanding Union Leadership Award for their decades-long service to labour activism.
NASU Deputy President, Comrade Sunday Obabunmi, urged leaders to remain proactive in addressing national challenges, including youth unemployment, insecurity, and policy reforms such as the Nigeria Tax Act 2025. “Union leadership is about courage, consistency and commitment to the welfare of members,” he said, while commending WAEC management under Dr Amos Dangut, for providing an enabling environment for constructive dialogue.
Addressing specific operational concerns, NASU WAEC Ilorin Branch Chairman, Comrade Ajulo Sunday, highlighted the difficulties faced by staff travelling to riverine and border communities.
“Some of our officers spend eight to nine hours travelling to examination centres on bad roads, only for vehicles to break down or return straight to the workshop,” he said, calling for at least two rugged utility vehicles and adequate armed security at high-risk centres ahead of the 2026 WASSCE. “The lives of our candidates and staff must be non-negotiable. An examination conducted in fear undermines fairness and the future of the Nigerian child.”
WAEC, represented by Comrade Waheed Amode, emphasised the need for unions to embrace innovation as technology, digitisation, and automation reshape the nature of work.
Dr Amos Dangut, Head of WAEC National Office, urged delegates to engage strategically, advocating for fair labour practices while remaining relevant in a changing work landscape. “Our unions must remain proactive, informed and strategic. Together, we can build a union that safeguards the rights and welfare of workers while contributing to industrial harmony and national development,” he said.
The Ilorin Branch of WAEC, hosting the NASU congress for the first time in 12 years, was commended by Branch Controller Mr Martin Akhanemeh for its growth and the cordial relationship between management and staff. “Under the leadership of Comrade Ajulo, the relationship between management and NASU WAEC Ilorin has remained cordial, friendly and warm,” Akhanemeh said, urging delegates to explore the state’s culture, history, and tourism during their stay.
NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi, represented by Comrade Adelekun Adedamola, urged unions to protect workers amid technological and demographic changes in the workforce. He also raised concerns over national insecurity, economic hardship, and the need for investment in education. “Little or no progress would be recorded by any nation that is devoid of peace and tranquillity,” he said. “Government must take decisive action to address these challenges.”
The Kwara State Government, through Alhaji Suleiman Ajape, commended NASU WAEC Ilorin for promoting peaceful unionism and industrial harmony, reiterating the state’s commitment to supporting staff welfare and capacity development. “Non-academic staff are the backbone of our educational institutions. Your work within WAEC is central to the credibility and success of public examinations,” he said.
The congress concluded with calls for sustained dialogue, unity, and proactive engagement between labour and management to ensure workers’ welfare, the integrity of public examinations, and national development.
