No Plan to Abolish NBAIS, Federal Government Clarifies

The Federal Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that it plans to abolish the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), describing the information as false and misleading.

NBAIS is the federal examination body responsible for regulating, standardising and certifying Arabic and Islamic education in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, spokesperson Folasade Boriowo said the ministry had become aware of messages alleging that both the Federal Government and the National Assembly were working towards scrapping the board.

The ministry categorically denied the claim.

“The Ministry wishes to categorically state that the claim is false, misleading and entirely unfounded,” the statement said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Ministry has not initiated any bill before the National Assembly seeking the abolition of NBAIS, nor has the Federal Ministry of Education proposed, initiated, endorsed or supported any policy aimed at scrapping the Board or undermining its statutory mandate.”

The ministry stressed that NBAIS remains a recognised national examination and certification body operating within Nigeria’s educational framework.

According to the statement, the Federal Government remains committed to supporting all legally established educational institutions and examination bodies in line with existing laws and national education policies.

The ministry also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation capable of creating unnecessary anxiety among students, parents, school proprietors and stakeholders in the Arabic and Islamic education sector.

“The Federal Government continues to support all legally established educational institutions and examination bodies in accordance with extant laws, national education policies, and the principles of inclusiveness, equity and equal opportunity,” the statement added.

About NBAIS

The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies traces its roots to 1960 when it was established to supervise Arabic and Islamic schools in Northern Nigeria.

Over the years, the board expanded its operations and received national recognition as an examination body in 2011.

In 2017, NBAIS attained full autonomy and now conducts major examinations, including the Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate Examination (SAISSCE) and the Tahfeez Examination for students specialising in Qur’anic memorisation and related studies.

Certificates issued by the board are recognised by the Federal Ministry of Education and accepted by numerous tertiary institutions across Nigeria as equivalent to other approved secondary school qualifications.

The ministry urged members of the public to disregard the false reports and rely on official government channels for verified information regarding education policy.