By Mohammed Dauda Eibo
Qui Non Improbat, Approbat (He who does not disapprove, Approves).
The monumental turnaround and repositioning of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), under the leadership of the erudite Professor, Yahuza Sulaiman Imam deserves ovation from well-meaning Nigerians.
The Board is a National Examination Body responsible for the conduct of Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate Examination (SAISSCE), the certificate issued to students of Integrated Arabic and Islamic Secondary Schools where Science, Arts and Commerce subjects are similarly offered.
The students must have sat for and passed the prescribed SAISSCE examination. Invariably, NBAIS is an examination body, just like WAEC and NECO, established to conduct Senior Secondary examination for integrated Arabic and Islamic schools across the country.
Candidates from such schools must have also written and passed UTME and PUTME before qualifying for admission into a tertiary institution of their choice.
For the information of the general public, the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) have directed all tertiary institutions under their purview to accept Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate Examination for admission into their respective institutions of higher learning, thereby offering equal admission opportunity for WAEC, NECO and NBAIS candidates.
It is therefore erroneous to assume that Arabic Language and Islamic Studies are the only subjects that qualify holders of SAISSCE results for admission into tertiary institutions. Rather, all other subjects taken by WAEC, NECO and NABTEB candidates are similarly taken by NBAIS candidates which is in tandem with the ongoing federal government’s programme for the integration of Tsangaya and Qur’anic Education (IQTE).
It is gladdening that Professor Yahuza is taking NBAIS to an appreciable level of stewardship. The Board is not at all distracted by activities of mischief makers. Rather, the Board is focused on full actualization of its huge Mandates, Vision, Mission and Core values.
In a groundbreaking move, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has recognized the Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate (SAISSCE) for admission into Nursing programs.
This decision has undoubtedly increased access to higher education. The Council has unlocked new opportunities for students.
It is pertinent to note that alongside Arabic and Islamic subjects, Integrated Arabic and Islamic Schools offer English and Mathematics as well as other Science, Arts, Commerce and Technical subjects that are pre-requisites to studying a chosen field of study.
Both Muslims and Non-Muslims are found either as SAISSCE candidates or employees of NBAIS. This clearly shows that the Board is receptive of individuals across all faiths. The watch words are increasing access to education and keying into the Integration of Qur’anic and Tsangaya Education program of the federal government. Moreover, integrated schools enhance cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, memory and analytical skills, and further provide access to a vast body of knowledge in various fields, including science, technology, and the humanities.
Finally, the Board is now poised more than ever to discharge its mandates, excel and foster the existing cordial relationship with all stakeholders. Overall, one can say without fear of contradiction that the Board, under Prof. Yahuza has succeeded in prioritizing activities in line with its vision, mission and objectives, thereby making it more result oriented.
The renewed Vision and achievements at NBAIS currently is in full alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for education for all. All the achievements so far recorded by the Board wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and support of the Federal Ministry of Education, under the able leadership of the Honorable Minister for Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad. The National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) as well as other professional bodies have also played vital roles in strengthening the operations of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies.
Mohammed Dauda, a Media and Communication Specialist, writes from Kado Life Camp, Abuja.
