The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, has urged the Zamfara State government to relocate examination candidates from high-risk rural areas to urban centers for their safety, following the model implemented by Kaduna State.
Speaking after monitoring ongoing examinations at Government Technical College (GTC), Malali, Kaduna, Dr. Mohammed praised Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for providing security support that enabled candidates from crisis-prone areas to participate in the current NABTEB examinations.
Increased Participation in NABTEB Examinations
The Registrar revealed that over 89,000 candidates are sitting for NABTEB examinations nationwide this year, a significant increase from the 60,000 recorded in 2024. The examinations, which began on June 16, will continue until July 14, 2025.
"This is a national examination like any other. We are monitoring compliance and standards closely," Dr. Mohammed stated, emphasizing that "NABTEB's exams are at par with WAEC, NECO, and NBAIS. It is left to all schools to take advantage of our standard examinations."
Kaduna's Proactive Security Measures
Dr. Mohammed specifically commended Governor Sani for taking proactive steps by relocating candidates from Kajuru Local Government Area—a known flashpoint of insecurity—to safer examination centers in Kaduna city without any formal request from NABTEB.
"I must sincerely commend the Kaduna State Government. Without any prompting, the governor ensured all candidates from Kajuru were safely moved to write their exams here in Kaduna city. It's a commendable effort and an example worthy of emulation by other states," he said.
Infrastructure Challenges
Despite praising the conduct of examinations at the Kaduna center as credible and orderly, the NABTEB boss expressed concern over poor infrastructure at the Malali center. He observed some students writing their papers while standing or squatting due to lack of seats.
"It is worrisome to see students writing exams in such conditions. This kind of situation creates room for malpractice. But I've spoken with the Principal, and we are starting a working relationship to address these issues. By this time next year, I believe this center will witness significant improvement," he added.
Mr. Auta Monday, Principal of Government Technical College, Malali, confirmed that 169 candidates were registered at the center this year. He described the Registrar's visit as a "blessing" that provided valuable guidance on innovation and development.
"The advice to establish a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center in our college is a welcome idea. We've also embraced the push to upgrade our computer center in preparation for future computer-based testing. We won't miss this opportunity," the Principal said.
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