The history of Ameer Shehu Idris College of Advanced Studies (ASICAS), Zaria cannot be complete without reference to the history and role of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria which initiated the idea of establishment of the College (ASICAS) before it became a community (Northern Nigeria) based College.

The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) was established 1959/60 as a unit under the defunct Northern Nigeria Ministry of Education Headquarters, Kaduna by Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna of Sokoto. The unit was responsible for supervision, curriculum development, examination and issuance of certificates under the authority of Nigerian Ministry of Education Headquarters in Kaduna.

With the creation of the first 12 States in Nigeria, the activities of the unit where transferred to Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1968/69 with the promotion to a board for Northern Nigeria.

From the time of its funding to its transfer to the Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, it has gone through various positive transformations. Firstly, it started as a board for the North only with two or three Colleges under its tutelage. Now, it is for the whole Nigeria with over 200 Institutions affiliated to it for accreditation and certification.

The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) operates under law no. 10 of Northern Nigeria for the Establishment of Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Therefore, the Board is authoritatively and solely under the coordination and supervision of the Institute of Education.