The National Examinations Council (NECO) has faced criticism from Nigerians for requiring its staff to travel to Minna, Niger State, for promotion exams from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to a circular issued on January 9, 2024, the staff are expected to arrive in Minna by February 13 and sit for the exams at the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna on February 14.
The circular also stipulated that the staff would bear the costs of their allowance, transportation, medication, accommodation, and any other expenses incurred during the exercise.
Nigerians have taken to social media to condemn the decision as insensitive and unfair, citing the high level of insecurity in the country, especially on the routes from states like Rivers, Borno, Taraba, and Lagos.
They have compared the current arrangement with the zonal one used in the previous year, which they said was safer and cheaper.
They have also expressed their concern for the safety of the staff, who they said could be kidnapped, involved in accidents, or exposed to harsh conditions.
NECO is a federal agency that conducts national examinations for secondary school students and other candidates in Nigeria.
The agency has not commented on the matter as of the time of publishing this report.