In a bold move to modernize Nigeria’s technical education assessment system, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has partnered with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to upgrade its ICT infrastructure and digitize its examination processes.
The agreement, sealed at NABTEB headquarters in Benin City, Edo State, marks a significant shift toward embracing technology in the administration of national technical and vocational qualifications. The collaboration will enable NABTEB to transition from traditional paper-based testing to fully computer-based examinations, streamline internal operations, and enhance examination security.
NABTEB Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Mohammed-Aminu Mohammed, described the initiative as a major step in aligning the board with international best practices. He noted that the digitisation project would cover the full lifecycle of examinations — from candidate registration and question development to result processing and certification issuance.
“This partnership with NASENI is not just timely, but strategic. Our goal is to commence full computer-based testing by 2026, and this collaboration brings us closer to that target. It will help us improve transparency, reduce examination malpractice, and fast-track administrative procedures,” Prof. Mohammed said.
He further explained that biometric verification systems, real-time monitoring technology, and secure digital platforms would be deployed to ensure the integrity of the examinations and reduce human interference.
On his part, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to provide the technical expertise and resources required to deliver on the initiative. He said NASENI’s intervention would not only boost NABTEB’s operational capacity but also support the federal government’s broader agenda on digital transformation in public service.
“This partnership speaks to NASENI’s mandate to strengthen indigenous technology capacity and bring innovation into critical sectors. We believe that investing in technical education through ICT will go a long way in addressing skill gaps and creating employment opportunities,” Halilu stated.
The digitization project is expected to significantly cut down the cost and time associated with the conduct of exams, while also enabling NABTEB to scale up its assessment delivery across the country with improved efficiency.
Stakeholders in the education and technology sectors have lauded the partnership, describing it as a step in the right direction for Nigeria’s vocational and technical education system. As the nation pushes forward with digital reforms, NABTEB’s move is seen as a blueprint for similar education bodies aiming to modernize their examination frameworks.
