The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has cautioned its senior officers against the harassment and intimidation of junior staff, warning that any form of misconduct or abuse of authority will not be tolerated.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, gave the warning on Tuesday in Benin City while declaring open the third quarter meeting of the Global Ministerial SERVICOM Committee (GMSC).
The meeting, themed “Bridging Service Delivery Gaps in Technical and Vocational Education: Enhancing Standards, Certification, and Employability,” brought together officials from NABTEB, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the SERVICOM Office to discuss ways to improve service delivery in the technical and vocational education sector.
Dr. Mohammed emphasized that leadership within the public service must be rooted in fairness, respect, and accountability. He expressed concern that some officers, after attaining positions of authority, tend to misuse their offices to intimidate subordinates rather than promote teamwork and service excellence.
“When many of us are in a position of authority, we become a different human being entirely,” the Registrar said. “But we pray we should not fumble when we are called for duty.”
He noted that the SERVICOM Committee within NABTEB was established to monitor the conduct of both senior and junior officers and ensure accountability in the system.
“This body is set up to monitor the activities of the senior officers and junior officers — to know if those at the top are doing what they are supposed to do, and whether those below are also performing their duties as expected,” he explained.
Dr. Mohammed warned senior staff to avoid using their offices as tools of oppression or intimidation, reminding them that positions of authority are temporary and should be used to serve the institution and the public in good faith.
“Your office must serve as a place where human relations are taken seriously. You must avoid using your office to intimidate your colleagues. You cannot remain in such an office forever,” he said.
He also urged junior officers not to be afraid to report wrongdoing or cover up unethical behavior, assuring them that the management would continue to promote a work environment built on integrity and mutual respect.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, the Nodal Officer and Chairman of the Global Ministerial SERVICOM Committee, Mr. Yiman Innocent, praised NABTEB for hosting the meeting and encouraged participants to work collectively to enhance the effectiveness of technical and vocational education in Nigeria.
He said the meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on past achievements, address challenges, and design strategies for improving service delivery within the public sector.
“Our meeting today presents a unique opportunity for us to reflect on our achievements, assess our challenges, and chart a course for the future,” Enitan said.
He urged participants to uphold the core values of SERVICOM — transparency, accountability, professionalism, and integrity — in the discharge of their duties.
“Let us reaffirm our dedication to serving our citizens with excellence and dignity and to building a world where every individual can realize their full potential and live a life of dignity and fulfillment,” he added.
SERVICOM (Service Compact with All Nigerians) is an initiative of the Federal Government established in 2004 to promote effective and transparent service delivery across public institutions. It focuses on ensuring that government agencies remain accountable and responsive to citizens’ needs.
Through the Global Ministerial SERVICOM Committee, agencies like NABTEB are expected to align their internal operations with the principles of efficiency, fairness, and customer satisfaction.
NABTEB plays a vital role in the development of technical and vocational education in Nigeria by conducting examinations and certifications for skilled professionals in various trades and industries.
Dr. Mohammed reiterated the board’s commitment to raising standards, ensuring fairness in its certification processes, and producing skilled individuals who can contribute meaningfully to national development.
“NABTEB remains committed to bridging service delivery gaps and improving the quality of technical education and certification in Nigeria. We will continue to uphold integrity and transparency in all our operations,” he said.
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Kimelomo Aina from the SERVICOM Office in Abuja commended NABTEB for hosting the meeting, describing it as a reflection of the board’s growing institutional capacity and leadership in the technical education sector.
“By hosting this meeting, NABTEB showcases its institutional strength and reinforces its role as a key partner in advancing technical and vocational education and training in Nigeria,” Aina said.
The meeting ended with a renewed call for public servants to embrace ethical leadership, teamwork, and dedication to service, as part of ongoing efforts to build a more effective and people-centered public sector.
