By USMAN ALIYU

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) says it has intensified efforts to combat examination malpractice through technology-driven monitoring systems and stronger institutional collaboration.

Dr Aminu Mohammed, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, disclosed this in Benin while receiving the Edo Resident Commissioner of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Mr Ebenezer Shogunle.

According to a statement on Friday in Benin by Mr Uche Olisah, NABTEB’s Assistant Director, Media and Protocol , Shogunle led the delegation of the anti graft commission on a courtesy visit to the board’s national headquarters.

Mohammed said the technology was part of measures to safeguard the integrity of the board’s examinations nationwide.

The NABTEB boss called for closer collaboration between NABTEB and the anti-corruption agency to strengthen examination credibility, promote accountability and advance skills development across the country.

“We are strengthening our examination monitoring architecture.

“Through the deployment of GPS-enabled monitoring devices, we can verify the locations of our officers during examinations and improve the credibility of our monitoring processes,” he said.

According to him, the board has introduced malpractice reporting forms for monitoring officers and is deploying technology-based tools to improve oversight during examinations and ensure greater accountability among field officials.

The registrar revealed that the board recently foiled an attempt to compromise an examination at a technical college through intelligence gathering and the strategic deployment of senior officials.

He described examination malpractice as a serious breach of public trust and called for stricter sanctions against offenders.

“Our staff need a better understanding of the mandate of the ICPC and the consequences of engaging in malpractice.

“Examination malpractice is a gross misconduct and, where necessary, offenders should be handed over to law enforcement agencies for appropriate action,” Mohammed said.

He appealed to the ICPC to support NABTEB through regular sensitisation programmes for staff, examination officials and other stakeholders on the dangers and consequences of corrupt practices.

The NABTEB boss also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity through continuous staff development and training.

According to him, the board conducts post-examination reviews after every major examination exercise to identify gaps and improve operational efficiency.

He disclosed that more than 20 drivers were recently trained as part of efforts to enhance staff capacity across all levels of the organisation.

Mohammed further urged the ICPC to join NABTEB in advocating for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), stressing the need for Nigeria to place greater emphasis on practical competencies and employable skills.

“One of the campaigns we would like the ICPC to join us in promoting is skills development.

“As a nation, we must begin to place greater emphasis on what individuals can do rather than merely the certificates they possess.

“Skills acquisition and competency-based education are critical to national development and economic self-reliance,” he said.

The registrar reiterated NABTEB’s responsibility for the coordination, assessment, certification and verification of technical and business education qualifications.

He added that stronger inter-agency collaboration would enhance the board’s ability to deliver on its mandate.

Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr Aminu Mohammed (6th right) and Edo Resident Commissioner of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr Ebenezer Shogunle (5th left) with some members of NABTEB Management team and ICPC officials during the courtesy call

Earlier, the resident commissioner of the ICPC, Shogunle, commended Mohammed's leadership and reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to partner with NABTEB in promoting transparency and accountability.

“We are here to build institutional synergy and reaffirm our joint responsibility in promoting integrity and accountability.

“This visit is an opportunity to strengthen our partnership with NABTEB, particularly in areas relating to examination integrity and ethical conduct,” Shogunle said.

He noted that examination integrity remained a critical area requiring sustained attention because of the strategic role examination bodies play in shaping educational and professional standards.

The commissioner expressed confidence in the ongoing reforms within NABTEB and urged the management to sustain efforts aimed at strengthening transparency and public confidence in the board.

“Integrity is at the heart of our campaign. We believe the public expects every institution to do the right thing, and we are encouraged by the commitment demonstrated by the new leadership of NABTEB,” he said.

Shogunle explained that mandate of the ICPC included corruption prevention, enforcement, public enlightenment and collaboration with public institutions to entrench accountability in governance.

He assured NABTEB of the commission’s continued support in anti-corruption sensitisation, capacity building and institutional strengthening. (NAN)