WAEC committee backs Dangut after endorsing his leadership despite NASU protests and calls for his removal

The Administrative and Finance Committee of the West African Examinations Council has passed a strong vote of confidence in the leadership of the Nigeria National Office under the Head of National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, despite mounting pressure from workers’ unions demanding his removal.

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The endorsement was issued after the Committee’s 240th meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where members reviewed the operations of WAEC Nigeria and the conduct of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates, 2026.

The Committee, regarded as WAEC’s highest advisory body on administrative and financial matters in Nigeria, commended Dr Amos Dangut and his management team for what it described as exemplary leadership, operational efficiency and institutional discipline.

Members noted that the ongoing WASSCE had continued without disruption despite recent industrial agitation and tensions involving workers’ unions.

According to the Committee, the smooth conduct of the examination reflected strong coordination, professionalism and commitment to WAEC’s mandate of maintaining credible assessment standards across West Africa.

The Committee reaffirmed its full confidence in Dr Amos Dangut’s capacity to continue leading the Nigeria National Office, adding that management had shown resilience and focus in handling administrative duties and stakeholder relations during a challenging period.

It also warned against actions capable of undermining the integrity, reputation and stability of the examination body, stressing that WAEC’s institutional mandate must remain protected under all circumstances.

The development follows a recent protest by members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions at WAEC’s national office in Yaba, Lagos.

The workers staged a three-day industrial action over allegations bordering on welfare concerns, unfair labour practices and victimisation.

Although the protest was later suspended, the union intensified its demand for the removal of Dr Amos Dangut as Head of National Office.

Speaking on behalf of the union, NASU-WAEC Chairman, Kayode Ogunyade, insisted that “Dangut must go” and warned that further action could follow if the workers’ demands were ignored.

Kayode Ogunyade, however, confirmed that examination activities were not disrupted and that staff members had resumed duties.

Despite the tensions, WAEC maintained that its nationwide operations remain stable and that all examination processes connected to the ongoing WASSCE are proceeding as scheduled.

The Committee reassured candidates, parents, ministries of education and other stakeholders that the integrity of the 2026 examination remains fully protected.

It added that WAEC’s operational systems and personnel structure were designed to withstand administrative pressures without affecting examination delivery.

The Council also reiterated its commitment to transparency, staff welfare and industrial harmony, describing engagement with staff unions as ongoing within established administrative procedures.

WAEC stated that while it remains open to dialogue with workers’ representatives, such engagements must be conducted within institutional rules and without disrupting its statutory responsibilities across member countries.

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The Committee said its vote of confidence reflects a united position in support of continuity, stability and the protection of WAEC’s credibility as a regional examination body.