Prof. Yahuza Suleiman Imam: The Reformer Repositioning NBAIS for a Digital Future

By Abdullahi Kabir

When Professor Yahuza Suleiman Imam assumed office as the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) in May 2023, he inherited an institution with a rich legacy but one facing increasing demands for modernization, credibility and broader national relevance. Barely three years into his tenure, the Board has undergone significant transformation, with reforms touching virtually every aspect of its operations—from examinations and digital services to institutional recognition, partnerships and staff development.

At the heart of Prof. Imam’s administration is a bold digital transformation agenda. In a departure from traditional manual processes, NBAIS introduced online registration for candidates, digitalised examination records and candidates’ albums, and launched online platforms for result checking and certificate verification. The Board is also laying the groundwork for the transition from paper-based examinations to Computer-Based Testing (CBT), a move expected to improve efficiency, transparency and service delivery.

Beyond technology, the credibility of the Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate Examination (SAISSCE) has received renewed attention. Under Prof. Imam’s leadership, the Board has successfully conducted its June/July and November/December examinations annually across participating states, while strengthening logistics, monitoring, supervision and moderation. These reforms have enhanced confidence in the integrity of NBAIS examinations among candidates, parents and educational institutions.

Recognising the need to align Arabic and Islamic education with contemporary realities, the Registrar initiated a comprehensive review of the Board’s curriculum and examination syllabus. The exercise aims to ensure that NBAIS programmes meet current national educational standards while preserving the academic excellence and cultural values upon which the Board was established.

One of the administration’s most celebrated achievements has been expanding the national acceptance of NBAIS certificates. Through sustained engagement with policymakers and educational stakeholders, the Board reinforced the implementation of the National Council on Education’s directive recognising SAISSCE qualifications for admission into tertiary institutions. Additional recognition by professional bodies, including the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, has further strengthened the value of NBAIS certification.

The Board has also pursued strategic collaborations to broaden opportunities for students and institutions. Memoranda of Understanding have been signed with the Nigerian Arabic Language Village, Ngala; Fountain University, Osogbo; and the Jigawa State Ministry of Education, among others. These partnerships are designed to deepen academic cooperation, improve educational standards and promote the development of Arabic and Islamic education nationwide.

Prof. Imam has equally prioritised stakeholder engagement through advocacy visits to governors, ministries of education, traditional institutions and education managers across the country. Complementing these efforts are public enlightenment campaigns aimed at raising awareness of NBAIS programmes and encouraging wider participation in its examinations and educational initiatives.

Another defining feature of the administration has been its proactive communication strategy. NBAIS has expanded its public visibility by strengthening engagement with both conventional and digital media. Active social media platforms have been established, while collaborations with major media organisations, including FRCN, BBC and VOA, have helped project the Board’s activities to wider audiences and improve public understanding of its mandate.

Within the organisation, staff welfare has emerged as a major priority. Thousands of junior and senior personnel have benefited from promotion exercises, while professional development and training programmes have been expanded. Working with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Board has also advanced staff regularisation and career progression, alongside improvements in office infrastructure and working conditions.

The Registrar’s reforms have equally translated into measurable institutional growth. The number of approved SAISSCE examination centres has risen to 91, accompanied by increased candidate enrolment. Administrative efficiency, financial accountability and internal governance have also been strengthened, reinforcing confidence in the Board’s operations. At a critical period marked by misinformation regarding NBAIS’ future, the administration successfully reaffirmed the Board’s statutory status, preserving institutional stability and stakeholder confidence.

For many observers, the transformation taking place at NBAIS reflects more than routine administrative changes. It represents a strategic effort to reposition the Board as a modern, technology-driven examination body capable of meeting the evolving needs of Nigeria’s education sector while safeguarding the values of Arabic and Islamic scholarship.

As NBAIS continues to expand its digital footprint, strengthen partnerships and consolidate examination reforms, Prof. Yahuza Suleiman Imam’s tenure is increasingly being defined by a clear vision: building an institution that combines innovation with academic integrity, broadens access to quality education and secures a stronger place for Arabic and Islamic studies within Nigeria’s educational landscape.

Abdullahi Kabir can be reached via email …namamaoga799@gmail.com