The trustees and members of the Benin National Congress (BNC) worldwide have issued an urgent call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Edo State Governor, the Minister of Education, and His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, expressing grave concerns over the alleged marginalization and mismanagement within the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB).
In an open letter signed by the duo of, Vice President of the group Pst. Amadin Owas, and its Director of Publicity & Intelligence, Mr. Osarenogae Igbinadolor
the BNC highlights a disturbing trend aimed at excluding qualified administrators from Benin City, Edo State, from attaining leadership positions within NABTEB. The organization emphasizes that this federal agency is crucial for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria and its current state is alarming.
The letter alleges widespread corruption and ethnic divisions within NABTEB since 2016 under its present leadership. It reports issues such as non-production of examination certificates, underpayment of staff, and financial difficulties hindering the distribution of examination materials. These allegations paint a grim picture of an institution in need of urgent reform.
“We urge Your Excellency, along with the Minister of Education, to take immediate action to prevent acts of disharmony between the headquarters of the agency and the people of Edo,” the letter states. It calls for an investigation into these allegations to restore NABTEB’s credibility and ensure accountability within the organization.
The BNC also advocates for a leadership change at NABTEB, emphasizing the need for special consideration of the host community in admissions, recruitment, and promotion processes. They stress the importance of appointing a technically proficient professional as the next Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, with a clear vision for advancing TVET in Nigeria.
“As defenders of Benin and Edo interests, we implore Your Excellency and other relevant stakeholders to play pivotal roles in ensuring that a suitable leader is appointed at NABTEB,” the letter continues.
The BNC expressed its readiness to pursue peaceful avenues, including legal recourse, to address what it views as systemic marginalization and discrimination against the Benin people.
“The Benin National Congress (BNC) will not stand by passively while our people are systemically denied key leadership positions, especially when they are suitably qualified.
“We view this as a direct affront on our peoples sensibilities, and an act of discrimination against the Benin people. We are prepared to pursue peaceful avenues, including legal recourse, to address this systemic marginalization.
“In conclusion, we believe that heeding this clarion call to reposition NABTEB is essential for the advancement of Technical and Vocational Education in Nigeria, especially, giving credence to host community’s pathetic concerns – like the systemic marginalization of the Benins over the last decade.
“Your prompt intervention to this clarion call will be instrumental in fostering academic development harmony and brighter future for our nation.” The Congress stressed.
