By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday commended the management of the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, for living up to expectations in fulfilling the mandate for which it was established. He said the Institute has made significant progress in capacity building for legislators and staff.
Akpabio, who is Chairman of the Governing Board of the Institute, spoke while presiding over the board meeting at NILDS headquarters along the Airport Road in Abuja. The meeting was also attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who serves as the alternate Chairman of the board.
The Senate President specifically commended the Director General of the Institute, Professor Abubakar Suleiman, and his management team “for making it possible for us to have refresher courses.” He noted that the essence of creating the Institute is being realized through its academic and training programmes.
Akpabio told the board that NILDS is now running academic programmes for postgraduate students up to doctorate level in collaboration with some universities in the country. He expressed satisfaction that the Institute has started training staff of the National Assembly.
He suggested that the board mandate the Institute to take charge of the induction course for incoming Senators and members of the House of Representatives. “When we came in 2023, the induction course that we had was at the NAF Centre. I’m sure for new Senators-elect and Members-elect, this place is befitting enough,” he said.
“I will urge members of the council to consider a resolution in that regard. That once election is over in 2027, the induction should be held here. That will also draw attention to this place. It will further boost the image of the institute,” Akpabio added.
The Senate President also commended NILDS management for the proper maintenance of the headquarters building. “When I came in, I was quite impressed about the maintenance of this edifice. Maintenance of an edifice like this is not easy. For you and your management team, Professor Suleiman, I think you have done the job well,” he stated.
Earlier at the commencement of the meeting, Professor Suleiman updated the board on the progress made by the Institute. He said the mandate of NILDS is to add to the capacity of Nigerian legislators both at the federal and sub-national levels, and even within the sub-region.
Suleiman revealed that NILDS now has 12 departments, including a Radio Station, and is in partnership with many institutions including the University of Benin, University of Abuja, and Federal University of Lokoja.
