Introduction
The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) certificate is officially recognized by the Federal Ministry of Education and holds equal status with WAEC and NECO. However, many Nigerian universities still do not accept it for admissions. This article explores what NBAIS is, its history, and why it deserves equal recognition—helping students, parents, and educators understand its value.
What is NBAIS?
The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) is an examination body that focuses on Arabic and Islamic education, while also covering core subjects like:
- English
- Mathematics
- Sciences
Established in 1960, NBAIS gained full recognition from the Federal Ministry of Education in 2011 and became an independent examination body in 2017—just like WAEC and NECO.
Who Can Take NBAIS Exams?
- Muslim and Christian students
- Learners seeking both religious and general education
NBAIS vs. WAEC & NECO: Are They Equal?
Many students and parents wonder: Is NBAIS inferior to WAEC or NECO? The answer is no. According to Ustaz Abdul-Lateef Adekilekun, Special Assistant to the NBAIS Registrar:
“The NBAIS certificate meets the same standard as WAEC and NECO.”
Official Approvals:
✅ Federal Ministry of Education
✅ National Universities Commission (NUC)
This means NBAIS should be accepted for university admissions across Nigeria.
Why Do Many Universities Still Reject NBAIS?
Despite its official recognition, many universities—especially in Southern Nigeria—do not accept NBAIS certificates. The main reasons include:
- Lack of awareness among admission officers
- Misconceptions about NBAIS’s legitimacy
- Slow adoption by some academic institutions
This creates unfair barriers for students who have passed NBAIS exams but face rejection.
Which Universities Accept NBAIS?
While challenges exist, many universities—particularly in Northern Nigeria—already accept NBAIS results, including:
- Public universities in Kano, Kaduna, and other Northern states
- Some federal universities following NUC guidelines
Current Reach of NBAIS:
📌 26 Nigerian states have students taking NBAIS exams
📌 Over 1,200 schools are affiliated with NBAIS
How to Support NBAIS Recognition
NBAIS has called for a national awareness campaign to educate universities and the public about its legitimacy. Widespread acceptance would:
✔ Give students fair access to higher education
✔ Encourage more schools to adopt NBAIS exams
✔ Promote a diverse and inclusive education system
By spreading awareness, we can help NBAIS gain the recognition it deserves—benefiting thousands of students nationwide. 🚀
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