NILDS, UNIBEN Celebrate Academic Excellence at 9th Postgraduate and 4th HND Convocation

By Chinedu Echianu

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), in collaboration with the University of Benin (UNIBEN), held its 9th Postgraduate and 4th Higher National Diploma (HND) Convocation Ceremony on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Institute’s Permanent Site in Abuja.

The event attracted top academics and dignitaries from across the country as the two institutions celebrated another milestone in their partnership. A total of 79 graduates were honoured during the ceremony — 51 with Master’s degrees, 19 with Higher National Diplomas in Parliamentary Administration and Official Reporting, and 9 with Postgraduate Diplomas in Election and Political Party Management.

In his address, the Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, commended the graduating students for their commitment to academic excellence and discipline. He assured that the graduates had been thoroughly equipped with the knowledge and character to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Professor Sulaiman also used the occasion to appeal to the Federal Government and the National Assembly to increase budgetary allocations to the education sector, stressing that adequate funding is critical to sustaining quality tertiary education in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the NILDS Governing Council, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, represented by Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, and the Alternate Chairman, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D, GCON, represented by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, congratulated Professor Sulaiman on his 60th birthday and lauded his visionary leadership of NILDS.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of UNIBEN, Professor Christopher Osubo, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie, urged the graduates to uphold the values of the Institute and the University as worthy ambassadors in their various fields.

A highlight of the event was the convocation lecture titled “Electoral Integrity as a Panacea for Democratic Development in Nigeria”, delivered by former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, OFR, who emphasized the need for credible elections as a foundation for sustainable democracy.

The convocation marked another milestone in NILDS’ pursuit of excellence in legislative and democratic studies, reinforcing its reputation as a leading institution in governance education and research.