The three day nationwide protest by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) staff has been suspended, with the union warning that fresh industrial action will follow if management does not remove the Head of the Nigeria National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, from his position.

The staff, operating under the Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, had staged the warning protest from Wednesday, marching from the WAEC headquarters in Yaba to the council's Special Printing Division in Somolu, Lagos, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs before suspending the action on Friday.

Chairman of the NASU WAEC branch, Kayode Ogunyade, confirmed that what began as a 12 point demand had been distilled to one position following a nine and a half hour negotiation that ran from 6:30 p.m. on Thursday to 3:00 a.m. on Friday, ending without agreement.

"The one demand which is our distinct demand now is that Dangut must go. That is the song we are singing now," Ogunyade stated.

He disclosed that management agreed to address only five of the 12 demands raised, leaving seven unresolved, including concerns around career progression, staff upgrade programmes, disciplinary panels formed without union representation and disregard for seniority in promotions. Workers also raised issues around alleged victimisation, irregular recruitment and excessive workload.

"We started the meeting around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and ended around 3:00 a.m. on Friday, with three recesses, yet only five minor issues were addressed," Ogunyade added.

Despite the suspension, Ogunyade warned that the union retained the capacity for further action, pending directives from the NASU national body. He confirmed, however, that all workers had returned to duty and that the ongoing 2026 WASSCE would not be affected.

"Yes, everybody is back to work. Exams will still go on," he assured.

When contacted for a response, Dangut directed enquiries to the council's Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Moyosola Adesina, who stated she was unaware of the demand for his removal.

WAEC maintained through its Public Affairs Department that the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination had remained seamless throughout the protest period, and denied allegations of indiscriminate dismissals, insisting all disciplinary actions followed established regulations.