The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has called on government to provide adequate armed security at high-risk examination centres across Nigeria.
The appeal was made during the 46th Annual National Congress of NASU/WAEC, held in Ilorin on February 10–11, 2026. The two-day congress brought together NASU national officers, WAEC management, and delegates from branches nationwide.
Congress Chairman, Comrade Kayode Matthew Ogunyade, described the gathering as crucial for workers navigating insecurity, rising living costs, and economic hardship. He emphasized unity as the backbone of protecting workers’ rights.
NASU WAEC Ilorin Branch Chairman, Comrade Ajulo Ebenezer Sunday, highlighted operational and security challenges in riverine and border communities, urging WAEC to deploy rugged vehicles to areas such as Baruten, Patigi, Lafiagi, and Kaiama. He warned that insecurity could prevent students from sitting for exams, stressing: “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.”
The congress also recognized five veteran unionists with the NASU-WAEC 2026 Outstanding Union Leadership Award for their contributions to labour activism.
Deputy President of NASU, Comrade Sunday Obabunmi, urged leaders to remain proactive amid challenges like insecurity, youth unemployment, and new policies such as the Nigeria Tax Act 2025.
WAEC management, represented by Comrade Waheed Bamidele Amode, echoed the need for unions to adapt to changing work conditions driven by technology and policy reforms. Head of WAEC National Office, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, praised NASU members for resilience and commitment to workers’ welfare.
NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, expressed concern over worsening insecurity and economic hardship, stressing that no meaningful progress can occur without peace and stability.
The Kwara State Government, represented by Alhaji Suleiman Ajape, commended NASU WAEC Ilorin for promoting peaceful unionism and constructive engagement with management.
The congress, themed “Unionism in the Evolving Work Landscape”, concluded with calls for sustained dialogue between labour and management, proactive adaptation to the future of work, and stronger protection of workers’ welfare.
By Kayode Abdulazeez, Ilorin
