The Director General of NILDS, Abubakar Sulaiman, has stated that the institute's national quiz competition for Senior Secondary Schools is more than an academic exercise. He made this remark during the 11th edition of the state-level competition in Owerri, Imo State. Sulaiman emphasized that the competition aims to promote awareness and understanding of the legislature, democracy, and governance among young Nigerians. This initiative seeks to nurture values of participation, accountability, and patriotism in the country's future leaders.
According to Sulaiman, democracy thrives when citizens, especially the youth, understand their role, powers, and limitations. He noted that the quiz competition has grown from a modest idea for schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to a nationwide event, touching schools across every geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Through this initiative, many students have gained insight into how laws are made, how representation works, and why the rule of law matters.
The NILDS Director General commended the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, for their support and commitment to strengthening democracy through education. He also acknowledged the challenges facing Nigeria's democracy, which he believes can only be overcome through education, critical thinking, and civic engagement. NILDS continues to champion this initiative as part of its efforts to promote democratic development.
The Executive Secretary of the Imo State Secondary Education Management Board, Theresa Okwu, described NILDS as an institution of the National Assembly established to promote research, training, capacity development, and knowledge of legislative and democratic processes. She noted that the National Quiz Competition on Legislature and Democracy provides a valuable platform for secondary school students to deepen their understanding of the legislature, constitutional governance, civic responsibility, and democratic principles.
Okwu urged the participating students to believe in themselves and put in their best effort, as the competition offers an opportunity for them to demonstrate their knowledge, sharpen their critical thinking abilities, and develop confidence in public intellectual engagement. The competition saw students from Eziachi Secondary School, Orlu, from Imo West Senatorial District, emerging as the winner.
According to the Imo State NILDS coordinator, Ifeyinwa Udenkwo, the winner will proceed to the South-East zonal level to compete for the finale. The quiz competition has been running for 11 years, and NILDS continues to organize it as part of its efforts to invest in Nigeria's democratic future. The institute's initiative aims to produce informed and engaged citizens who will contribute to the country's democratic development.
The NILDS quiz competition is an annual event that has become a significant platform for promoting democratic education among Nigerian secondary school students. By engaging young people in discussions about the legislature, democracy, and governance, NILDS seeks to build a foundation for a more informed and participatory citizenry. As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, initiatives like the quiz competition are crucial for sustaining and deepening democratic values.
Key points
- NILDS Director General Abubakar Sulaiman says the quiz competition is a deliberate investment in Nigeria's democratic future.
- The competition aims to promote awareness and understanding of the legislature, democracy, and governance among young Nigerians.
- The 11th edition of the competition took place in Owerri, Imo State, with students from Eziachi Secondary School, Orlu, emerging as the winner.
