Controversy Arises Over NABTEB Examination Fees at Niger State Teachers Professional Development Institute.
By Ibrahim A Yahaya Minna.
Parents and students of the Niger State Teachers Professional Development Institute have voiced strong objections to the institution’s recent directive requiring students to pay N32,500 for registration in the NABTEB examination.
This move has raised concerns as it allegedly contravenes the institute’s own regulations that stipulate free examination registration for students.
A concerned parent, who requested anonymity, revealed that the school had recently communicated to parents regarding the necessity for students to register for NABTEB through the institution, despite the existing law that mandates free registration. Historically, the government has covered all costs associated with final examinations, fostering an environment conducive to teacher training.
At a recent meeting with the institution’s management, parents expressed widespread dissatisfaction with this unexpected financial burden. They noted that, since the institute’s establishment, students have not been required to pay for such services.
Reports indicate that a total of N3.5 million will be required for the registration of 111 graduating students in the pre-service program, essentially as a part of their final secondary academic requirements.
During the meeting, parents were informed that the government could no longer subsidize the modest N3.5 million for the NABTEB registration due to budget constraints. In response, many parents appealed to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for intervention.
When reached for comment, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, via the Executive Director of the Institute, Dr. Hussaini Usman, affirmed that the institution continues to uphold its free education policy and denied any allegation of coercing parents or students into paying the NABTEB registration fee.
Dr. Usman clarified that the government had covered the registration fees for WAEC and JAMB for all students. However, there was a subsequent realization of the importance of NABTEB registration in bolstering students’ prospects for university admission. The decision to convene a meeting with parents was made to ensure transparency regarding this development.
He also explained that the urgency to enroll students for the examination prior to the closing of the NABTEB website led to parental notifications being delayed, emphasizing that the intention was purely to assist students, not to exploit working parents facing economic hardships.
The institute is fundamentally dedicated to training young individuals to pursue teaching as a lifelong career, aspiring to alleviate the shortage of professional educators in public schools. As such, Dr. Usman reiterated that no one was forced to pay for NABTEB registration.
During a subsequent interview, parents urged Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to ensure the institution’s vision remains intact, arguing that the funds required for NABTEB registration were well within the financial capacity of the Ministry of Education and the state government.
