Corruption and Dysfunction: The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies and the IPPIS Salary Scandal -By Malam Baba Mai Shayi

The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) plays a crucial role in promoting Islamic and Arabic education in Nigeria. Its mission is to ensure the quality of education in these areas and maintain the integrity of certification. However, recent revelations have exposed a deeply troubling issue within this organization – corruption and a flawed salary system under the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The IPPIS was introduced in Nigeria with the aim of improving transparency and efficiency in the payment of civil servants. However, its implementation has been fraught with challenges, and one of the most alarming issues is the omission of a large number of staff members from receiving their salaries for over 12 months. This is not only a grave injustice to the affected employees but also a testament to the dysfunctional state of the system.
Imagine dedicating your time and effort to serving an organization, only to find yourself deprived of your hard-earned salary for over a year.

The financial hardships and emotional distress faced by the omitted staff are immeasurable. These individuals have families to support, bills to pay, and lives to sustain, and the salary delays have left them in a dire situation.
Another concerning aspect of the NBAIS’s current state is the large number of senior directors who are in acting capacities. Having a substantial portion of an organization’s top management in acting roles can lead to a lack of stability and direction. It undermines the organization’s ability to make long-term decisions and hinders its overall efficiency.

The Need for Presidential Intervention
In light of these distressing revelations, it is imperative for the highest authorities to step in and address the issues plaguing the NBAIS and the IPPIS. One individual who holds considerable influence and has a responsibility to uphold the integrity of civil service rules is President Bola Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu has a long history of leadership and public service. His commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants and promoting transparency within government organizations makes him a fitting candidate to intervene in this crisis. It is crucial that he considers the following actions:

* Audit and Investigation: A thorough audit and investigation into the NBAIS and IPPIS discrepancies should be conducted to identify the root causes of the salary omissions and acting capacity appointments. This will help determine accountability.
* Sack Incompetent Managers: In the interest of the organization’s effectiveness and the well-being of its employees, President Tinubu should consider removing the top management responsible for the current state of affairs. This action should be carried out with the utmost care and fairness, taking into account any evidence of corruption or mismanagement.
* Reform the IPPIS: It is evident that the IPPIS system needs significant reform. President Tinubu should work with relevant authorities to address the system’s shortcomings and ensure that all civil servants, including those at the NBAIS, receive their salaries promptly and accurately Empower the NBAIS:
* The NBAIS plays a crucial role in advancing education in Nigeria. Adequate funding and support should be provided to enable the organization to fulfill its mission effectively.

The corruption within the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies and the issues surrounding the IPPIS salary system are clear indicators of a system in dire need of reform. President Bola Tinubu has a unique opportunity to intervene and rectify the situation, ensuring justice for the omitted staff and improving the overall functionality of the NBAIS. It is only through such decisive action that the organization can hope to work perfectly and fulfill its vital role in promoting Islamic and Arabic education in Nigeria.

Malam Baba Mai Shayi, Is a retired civil servant, writes from Kaduna, Nigeria