Fifty-five students have been welcomed as the first batch of postgraduate students at the University of Abuja's joint programme with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). The students will pursue their higher degrees in various fields, including Electoral Management Studies, Democracy and Security Studies, and Legislative Entrepreneurship.
The programme, which is a result of a memorandum of understanding signed between the two institutions in 2024, aims to provide students with a unique opportunity to acquire higher degrees. The collaboration between UniAbuja and NILDS has been described as a great milestone in the academic pursuit of the students.
The Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Rosemary Udeozor, at the matriculation ceremony. Fawehinmi expressed his excitement at the commencement of the programme, stating that it would provide students with a great academic pursuit.
The Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, also congratulated the matriculating students and urged them to obey the laws and regulations of the two institutions. Sulaiman highlighted the importance of education in President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda, emphasizing that it remains critical to the development of the country.
The programme will award diplomas, Masters, and PhD degrees to students who successfully complete their studies. The students are expected to demonstrate commitment to achieving high academic excellence in their areas of specialisation.
The partnership between UniAbuja and NILDS marks a significant step in promoting academic excellence in Nigeria. As the country continues to evolve, it is essential to invest in education, particularly in areas such as legislative entrepreneurship and democratic governance. The matriculating students are expected to make a positive impact in their respective fields, contributing to the growth and development of the nation.
