By The National Association of Proprietors of Arabic and Islamic Schools (NAPAIS) has urged Muslim scholars, students and proprietors of Arabic and Islamic schools across Nigeria to remain calm amid renewed calls for the cancellation of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS).
The appeal was made by the National President of NAPAIS, Sheikh Muhammad Jamiu Abdulgafaar, in a statement dated June 16, 2026 and made available to journalists in Ibadan.
Abdulgafaar described the campaign against NBAIS as another failed attempt to undermine Islamic education in the country. He said similar efforts in the past had yielded no results and expressed confidence that the latest campaign would also fail.
He argued that attempts to discredit the examination body were irrational and motivated by prejudice against Muslims, stressing that NBAIS has continued to play a significant role in Nigeria’s educational development.
The NAPAIS president warned individuals and groups advocating the abolition of NBAIS to reconsider their position, urging them to focus on the benefits the examination body has brought to the country’s education sector instead of promoting religious intolerance.
”A notice of warning must be sounded to those unjustifiably seeking cancellation of NBAIS; they should suppress their bigotry and think of abundant benefits of the exam body and development of our nation” he said.
He also expressed confidence that the National Assembly would not support any move capable of denying millions of Muslim students in both Northern and Southern Nigeria access to an alternative examination body for higher education.
”We trust the integrity of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, as unbiased, accommodating and just leaders who understand the significance of protecting the rights of every Nigerian to secure their future.” he added.
Abdulgafaar appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and prevent actions capable of triggering religious tension, adding that peaceful coexistence can only be sustained through mutual respect and protection of the constitutional rights of all citizens.
He maintained that NBAIS has existed since the post-independence period and has evolved through several legal and institutional reforms while remaining effective in carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
According to him, certificates issued by NBAIS through the Federal Ministry of Education are recognised for admission into institutions of higher learning within and outside Nigeria, making the campaign against the board unnecessary.
”Certificates issued by the NBAIS through the Federal Ministry of Education are recognised and accepted as part of the requirements for admission into institutions of higher learning globally.” he noted.
The NAPAIS president also commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, for promptly dismissing rumours surrounding the status of NBAIS and reaffirming that it remains a legally recognised examination and certification body within Nigeria’s education system.
He further congratulated Muslims on the commencement of the Islamic New Year, prayin for peace, prosperity and national unity throughout Hijrah 1448.
”Hijrah 1448 will be a memorable year of peace in our nation, joy in our homes and unlimited blessings for us all.” he said.
