The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) has gone through thick and thin. It was founded by Alhaji Sir, Ahmadu Bello Sardauna of Sokoto in 1960. Subsequently, it was transfered to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1969.The Board has undergone series of positive transformation.

Firstly, as a Board for the Northern part of Nigeria only with few Schools and Colleges under its tutelage. Currently, with the recognition and approval of National Council on Education (NCE) at its 57th meeting held at Sokoto in February, 2011, the Board as a National Examination and Regulatory Body covers the whole nation with over 900 recognized schools and colleges.