The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to digitise its examination processes and overhaul its ICT infrastructure, in line with the federal government’s directive to fully digitise examinations by 2026.
This development was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday in Benin by NABTEB’s Assistant Director of Media and Protocol, Mr Uchechukwu Olisah. The announcement followed a meeting on April 29 between NABTEB’s leadership and NASENI representatives at the board’s headquarters.
Dr Aminu Mohammed, NABTEB’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, described the collaboration as a significant step in modernising the board’s operations and improving the security and efficiency of its exams. He noted that NABTEB, as a national body responsible for conducting craft and master craft examinations, requires a modern ICT system to fulfill its mandate effectively.
“From registration, question paper development, and distribution, to marking of scripts, result processing, and the award of certificates, NABTEB’s scope demands robust ICT infrastructure,” Dr Mohammed explained.
He emphasised that the board’s digitisation initiative is aligned with the federal government’s broader education reforms and the Ministry of Education’s push for functional, technology-driven learning and assessment systems. He referenced the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa’s commitment to computer-based testing, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr Mohammed also recalled a previous meeting in Abuja with NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Khalil Halilu, during which the agency pledged support for the establishment of a fully digital ICT department at NABTEB. As part of the agreement, NASENI is expected to deliver a fully equipped ICT building within six months.
“This partnership is a timely intervention and will go a long way in strengthening our operations and safeguarding the integrity and relevance of our examinations,” he stated.
Speaking during the meeting in Benin, Mr Bashir Aliyu, Special Adviser on Emerging Technology to NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to NABTEB’s transformation. “We are here to support you with digitisation. We’ve done it at NASENI, and now we’re ready to help NABTEB leap forward using ICT,” he said.
Since assuming office in March, Dr Mohammed has prioritised the digital transformation of NABTEB. He maintains that the shift to digital systems will significantly reduce human error, shorten processing timelines, and boost overall efficiency in the board’s operations.
The partnership marks a new phase in NABTEB’s evolution, positioning it as a model for other examination bodies working to embrace technology in Nigeria’s educational system.
