FG Rejects Claims of NBAIS Abolition
Education Ministry says viral reports are false and insists Arabic and Islamic examination board remains fully recognised under Nigeria’s education system.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Federal Government has dismissed as “false, misleading and entirely unfounded” widespread claims circulating on social media that it plans to abolish the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), reaffirming its commitment to preserving and strengthening Arabic and Islamic education within Nigeria’s formal educational framework.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, the ministry said it had become aware of online publications alleging that both the Federal Government and the National Assembly were considering legislation to scrap the examination body.
The ministry categorically denied the reports, stressing that no such proposal exists and that no policy has been initiated or contemplated to undermine the statutory responsibilities of NBAIS.
“The Ministry wishes to categorically state that the claim is false, misleading, and entirely unfounded,” the statement said.
It added that the ministry had neither sponsored nor proposed any bill before the National Assembly seeking the abolition of NBAIS, nor had it endorsed any initiative aimed at dismantling the institution.
The clarification comes amid growing concern among students, parents, teachers, Islamic organisations and other stakeholders following the circulation of the viral reports, which suggested that the board’s operations were under threat.
Officials warned that the spread of unverified information could create unnecessary anxiety, misinform the public and erode confidence in government institutions responsible for education policy.
The ministry reaffirmed that NBAIS remains a recognised examination and certification body operating legally within Nigeria’s educational system and continues to enjoy the support and recognition of the Federal Government.
It stated that the government remains committed to supporting all legally established educational institutions and examination bodies in accordance with existing laws, national education policies and the principles of inclusiveness, equity and equal educational opportunity.
The statement further urged members of the public to disregard the viral publication and avoid sharing unverified reports capable of misleading Nigerians.
It also advised stakeholders to rely solely on official communications from the Federal Ministry of Education and other authorised government channels for information relating to educational reforms, policies and programmes.
Reaffirming its broader commitment to the education sector, the ministry said it remains focused on promoting quality education, national cohesion and constructive engagement with stakeholders in advancing Nigeria’s educational objectives.
What is NBAIS?
The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) is a federal examination and certification body established by the Nigerian government to regulate, standardise and promote Arabic and Islamic education across the country.
The board conducts examinations at both the basic and senior secondary school levels and awards certificates recognised by the Federal Government for admission into tertiary institutions as well as employment opportunities.
Operating under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education, NBAIS is responsible for curriculum development, quality assurance, accreditation of Arabic and Islamic schools, teacher development and the administration of standardised examinations.
Over the years, the board has played a significant role in integrating Arabic and Islamic education into Nigeria’s formal educational structure, ensuring that students enrolled in Arabic and Islamic schools obtain qualifications equivalent to those issued by other recognised examination bodies.
Its certificates are accepted by many universities and higher institutions across Nigeria, providing graduates with pathways into further education and professional careers while supporting the country’s policy of inclusive educational development.
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