The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has called on senior government officials to refrain from using their positions to intimidate or oppress their subordinates, emphasizing that true leadership is rooted in service and accountability.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr. Aminu Mohammed, gave the advice on Tuesday in Benin City while declaring open the 3rd Quarter Global Ministerial SERVICOM Committee (GMSC) Meeting, hosted by the board.
The meeting, themed “Bridging Service Delivery Gaps in Technical and Vocational Education: Enhancing Standards, Certification, and Employability,” brought together key stakeholders in the education and public service sectors.
Dr. Mohammed lamented the growing culture of impunity among some senior officers who misuse their authority, noting that SERVICOM was established to hold both senior and junior officers accountable for their actions.
“When many of us get into positions of authority, we become entirely different human beings,” he said.
“This body is set up to monitor the activities of both senior and junior officers. Those at the top — are they doing what they are supposed to do? And those below them — are they performing their duties as expected?
Your office must be a place where human relations are valued, not where colleagues are harassed or intimidated.”
The registrar reminded participants that public office is temporary and urged them to promote fairness, transparency, and ethical conduct in their workplaces.
“Avoid using your office to intimidate your colleagues — you cannot remain there forever,” he said.
“Do not cover up wrongdoings. SERVICOM must be fearless in holding erring officers accountable. That is the essence of good governance.”
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Olumuyiwa Enitan, represented by Mr. Yiman Innocent, Chairman of the Global Ministerial SERVICOM Committee, called on participants to work collaboratively toward reforming Nigeria’s public service.
“Our meeting today provides a unique opportunity to reflect on our achievements, assess our challenges, and chart a course for the future,” he said.
“Let us remain steadfast in the principles of SERVICOM — transparency, accountability, professionalism, and integrity — and ensure that citizens receive services with dignity and excellence.”
Also speaking, Mrs. Kimelomo Aina from the SERVICOM Office, Abuja, commended NABTEB for hosting the session, noting that the theme underscored the importance of improving service delivery in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“Technical and vocational education is no longer a secondary option; it is the foundation for innovation, productivity, and industrial growth,” she said.
“Bridging service delivery gaps in TVET will not only enhance employability but also strengthen public trust and institutional credibility.”
