From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
A group, the Benin National Congress (BNC), has decried the alleged marginalisation of the host community by the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB).
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the group Vice President, Pastor Amadin Owas and its Director of Publicity and Intelligence, Mr. Hillary Igbinadolor and made available to journalists in Benin.
The duo in their statement titled “Urgent Call for Revival of NABTEB: An Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Edo State Governor, the Minister of Education, and His Royal Majesty – the Oba of Benin, alleged that there were deliberate acts by the leadership of the institution not to allow a Benin man rise to the headship position in the institution.
“We, the trustees, and members of the Benin National Congress worldwide, write to respectfully draw your attention with grave concerns regarding a fertilised marginalisation scheme in the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), aimed at depriving astute administrators or academicians from the host community (Benin City, Edo State,) from clinching the headship of the Federal agency”, the alleged.
The duo also alleged that the federal government should look into the issue of under payment of staff and other sundry issues bedeviling the institution.
They furthermore called for a change in leadership at NABTEB, adding that, such a change should be the one that factors special consideration for the host community in areas of admissions, recruitment of casual staff, as well as employment and promotion of management personnel.
Moreso, they said that the next Registrar/Chief Executive Officer must be a technically proficient professional with a clear vision for advancing TVET in Nigeria, pointing out that NABTEB’s role in shaping the future of Technical and Vocational Education cannot be understated, and the right leadership is crucial for its success.
They group, while appreciating the federal government in advance for granting their request, maintained that they will not rest on their oars until the right thing is done.
“As defenders of Benin and Edo interests, we implore Your Excellency and other relevant stakeholders to play pivotal role(s) in ensuring that a suitable leader is appointed at NABTEB.
“The development and progress of Benin land must align with the aspirations of our revered monarch.
“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 marginalisation.
“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 the host community’s pathetic concerns – like the systemic marginalisation 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 group said.