The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has urged senior government officials to desist from using their positions to intimidate or oppress subordinates.
Dr Aminu Mohammed, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the board gave the advice on Tuesday in Benin, 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 sectors.
Mohammed emphasised that leadership was not about oppression but service.
The NABTEB boss decried the growing culture of impunity among some senior officers who misuse their authority, stressing that SERVICOM existed to hold both senior and junior officers accountable.
“When many of us get into positions of authority, we become a different human being entirely.
“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 taken seriously, not where colleagues are harassed or intimidated,” he said.
The registrar reminded participants that no one occupies an office forever and urged them to uphold integrity and fairness in public service.
“Avoid using your office to intimidate your colleagues. You cannot remain there forever.
“Do not cover up wrongdoings. SERVICOM must be fearless in holding erring officers accountable. That is the essence of good governance,” he said.
Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, 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 is a unique opportunity to reflect on our achievements, assess our challenges, and chart a course for the future.
“Let us remain steadfast in the principles of SERVICOM, which are transparency, accountability, professionalism, and integrity and ensure that our citizens receive services with dignity and excellence.”
Mrs Kimelomo Aina from the SERVICOM Office, Abuja, commended NABTEB for hosting the session, noting that the theme reflected the urgency 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.
“Bridging service delivery gaps in TVET will not only enhance employability but also build public trust and institutional credibility,” she said.
