Lagos: The Nigerian Software Testing Qualifications Board (NGSTQB) says it will prioritise stronger, globally aligned software testing standards in 2026 to improve reliability, security, and trust of Nigeria’s digital systems. The President of NGSTQB, Mr Boye Dare, shared this vision in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NGSTQB, a member board of the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), is committed to advancing public awareness of the economic and risk management benefits offered by professional software testing practices. The board enables its clients to advance their careers in line with trending industry demands and is involved in developing, adopting, and contributing to standards for software testing, training course development, and professional qualification.
Mr Boye Dare highlighted NGSTQB’s focus for 2026, which is to embed software quality as a standard expectation across both public and private sector digital services as Nigeria’s digital transformation continues to expand. He emphasized the need for software testing to be recognized as a critical enabler of reliable and secure systems rather than being treated as an optional activity during the final stage of development.
“Our priority for 2026 is to ensure that software quality becomes a national standard, not an afterthought,” Dare stated. “Reliable digital services depend on professional testing practices applied from the early stages of development, and organizations must see testing as both a business and security necessity.”
Dare pointed out that the board’s emphasis on stronger testing standards is driven by persistent weaknesses in software testing practices, which expose systems to failures, security vulnerabilities, and loss of public confidence. He noted that software testing is often treated as a final stage activity in many organizations, with skills gaps persisting in specialized areas such as automation, performance, and security testing.
He also mentioned that awareness of the business value of structured testing remains uneven at executive and decision-making levels, limiting investment in quality assurance frameworks. NGSTQB has been instrumental in addressing these challenges by promoting professional, standardized, and internationally recognized testing practices nationwide.
Dare stated that these industry challenges have shaped NGSTQB’s priorities for 2026, with workforce development and stronger partnerships becoming central to the board’s strategy. He announced plans to deepen collaboration with government, academia, and industry to drive wider adoption of best practices across the country.
Reviewing the board’s performance in 2025, Dare noted NGSTQB’s consolidated position as Nigeria’s reference body for professional software testing. The board expanded nationwide awareness of globally recognized ISTQB certifications, aiding professionals and organizations in better understanding the importance of structured testing competence.
Furthermore, NGSTQB strengthened community engagement through training programs and knowledge-sharing platforms focused on practical and job-ready testing skills. The TestNigeria Conference remained a significant milestone in 2025, serving as the country’s flagship forum for discussions on software quality and standards.
Building on these achievements, NGSTQB plans to expand capacity building programs in high-demand areas such as automation, security, performance, and AI-assisted testing in 2026. The board also aims to deepen partnerships with employers, universities, and regulators, roll out the NGSTQB Software Testing Magazine, and support the nationwide adoption of the National Software Testing Guideline.
Moreover, NGSTQB is engaging stakeholders to establish Nigeria’s first National Quality Assurance Hub to support structured testing services, skills development, and industry collaboration. “With the right standards and skills, Nigeria can position itself as a credible destination for global software testing services,” Dare concluded.