From Fred Itua, Abuja

National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), on Monday, matriculated new postgraduate students. They’re expected to pursue postgraduate studies in different field, centred around good governance and democracy.

The Institute, headed by Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, is affiliated with the University of Benin. Since inception, it has produced hundreds of masters and PhD holders.

Speaking at the event, The Director-General, Professor Sulaiman, listed some of the key achievements recorded for, while promising to do more.

He said: “Today’s event is important because it marks the official enrolment of the matriculating students into the Institute’s academic programmes.

“Today, 71 students will be officially admitted into the Master’s Programme, while 14 students will be enrolled in the HND programme in Official Reporting and Parliamentary Administration. Over the years, the number and quality of students being admitted to the various academic programmes of the Institute have been on the rise.

“This is a confirmation of the relevance of these programmes and the impact they have had on successive students, which have inspired more people to join.

“I am delighted to report that the successes and achievements of the Institute in all areas of capacity development have made NILDS not only a national but also an international model for a successful parliamentary support institution. In the last two years, the Lagos State House of Assembly has passed a Law establishing a Legislative Institute.

“Similar Bills are under consideration in other State Houses of Assembly, including Delta State. At the continental level, the Parliament of Benin Republic has established a Parliamentary Institute modelled on NILDS.

“A delegation from the Parliament visited the Institute a few months ago to understudy our system and learn from our experience and success story. Similarly, we have received parliamentary delegations from various African countries, including Ghana and Uganda.

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“Just recently, the Regional Parliament of Ethiopia approached us for a benchmarking visit due to hold at the end of this month. The Institute has continued to show leadership in both research and teaching, only recently a delegation from Federal University Lokoja visited the institute for academic collaborations especially at the level of PhD.

“Talks are on-going between the two institutions in other to seal pact. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, when all institutions of higher learning were shut down, the Institute ensured that our core activities were sustained through the effective deployment of ICT platforms.

“It is fair to say that the Institute has become a national and international brand based on a track record of excellence. I thank the leadership of the National Assembly for the offer of continuous support and purposeful leadership.

“We are not resting on our oars and remain determined to improve our services and continuously work to strengthen the capacity of the legislature and other democratic institutions in Nigeria and beyond.

“I have taken the pain to highlight these achievements of the Institute to emphasise to the matriculating students the quality of our academic programmes and the academic excellence that has become the benchmark of the Institute.

“You have joined a long list of distinguished students who have passed through these programmes, and we expect that you will conduct yourselves with the highest level of discipline and commitment.

“This matriculation is intended to acquaint you with the norms, practices and culture of the Institute, which is at the centre of innovative learning on issues related to the legislature and democracy.

“The programmes that you are about to commence are rigorous and intensive. You will be tutored by high-profile academics and professionals who expect the best from you. To be successful, all of you must commit to respecting the rules and regulations of the Institute and participate fully in all scheduled activities.

“The Institute has ensured that all the necessary tools for learning are in place to make your time with us memorable and impactful.”