Labour leaders under the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have called for urgent security reinforcements at examination centres nationwide and deeper unity among workers, warning that insecurity and economic hardship are threatening both staff welfare and the credibility of public examinations.

The call formed the crux of deliberations at the 46th Annual National Congress of NASU WAEC, Nigeria, held at the WAEC Ilorin Branch Office, Kwara State, between February 10 and 11, 2026.

Chairman of the Congress, Comrade Kayode Matthew Ogunyade, said the gathering was taking place at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history, marked by insecurity, rising cost of living and infrastructural decay.

“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 told delegates drawn from across the country. “We must not allow sentiments or personal interests to divide us. Our strength is in our togetherness.”

He commended the national leadership of NASU for what he described as unprecedented support to the WAEC branch and appreciated the Ilorin branch for successfully hosting the congress.

Security Concerns Over 2026 WASSCE

In his remarks, Chairman of NASU WAEC Ilorin Branch, Comrade Ajulo Ebenezer Sunday, raised concerns over operational and security challenges confronting examination officials, especially in riverine and border communities of Kwara State.

He disclosed that officers often spend up to nine hours navigating bad roads to reach centres in Baruten, Patigi, Lafiagi and Kaiama, sometimes returning with broken-down vehicles.

“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,” Ajulo said. “This is not just an operational issue; it is a serious safety concern.”

He appealed to WAEC management to provide at least two rugged utility vehicles to ease movement, while also calling on the Kwara State Government and security agencies to deploy armed personnel to high-risk centres ahead of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (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,” he warned.

Union Must Evolve With Technology

Beyond security, the congress focused on the theme, Unionism in the Evolving Work Landscape, with speakers urging organised labour to adapt to technological changes, including digitisation and computer-based testing.

Deputy President of NASU and Chairman of the Examination Bodies and Libraries Trade Group Council, Comrade Sunday Obabunmi, said union leaders must remain proactive amid policy reforms, youth unemployment and insecurity.

“Our activities at branch levels must continue to blaze the trail despite challenges,” he said. “Union leadership is about courage, consistency and commitment to the welfare of members.”

Similarly, NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, represented by Comrade Adelekun Adedamola, said unions must embrace innovation to remain relevant.

“Unions must be focused and ready to support workers in the changing nature of work, driven by technological advancements and shifting workforce demographics,” he said. “This means advocating for workers’ rights in new work models and promoting skills training for members.”

Adeyemi also decried the worsening security situation and economic hardship across the country.

“Today, Nigerians can no longer sleep with both eyes closed. Nobody feels safe again, and it is expedient for government to take drastic steps to end this menace,” he stated, adding that inflation and poor infrastructure continue to weigh heavily on citizens.

WAEC, Kwara Govt Pledge Collaboration

On its part, WAEC management called for strategic and informed unionism that aligns with global workplace realities.

Representing the Head of National Office, Dr Amos Josiah Dangut, Comrade Waheed Bamidele Amode said, “Across the world today, the nature of work is rapidly changing. These developments present both opportunities and challenges for trade unions.”

“Our unions must remain proactive, informed and strategic. We must strengthen advocacy for fair labour practices, continuous capacity building and job security, ensuring that no worker is left behind,” he added.

Kwara State Government also hailed NASU WAEC for promoting industrial harmony. Speaking for the Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Suleiman Ajape described non-academic staff as critical to the success of public examinations.

“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 featured the recognition of five veteran unionists for their contributions to labour activism and ended with a renewed pledge by delegates to sustain unity, deepen dialogue with management and prioritise the welfare and safety of workers across WAEC offices nationwide.