The President of Nigeria’s Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has likened the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to prestigious institutions like Cambridge and Harvard Universities.
During a visit to the Institute’s permanent site in Abuja, Akpabio noted that the infrastructure and conducive environment for teaching and learning at NILDS are comparable to those at Cambridge, Harvard, and other top universities worldwide.
He stated, “The Institute’s impressive facilities, vision, and focus make it a significant contributor to Nigerian democracy. With this infrastructure, Nigerians no longer need to travel overseas for legislative training. This is our own Cambridge and Harvard.”
Akpabio was accompanied by Senate leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Minority Whip Senator Osita Ngwu, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Senator Adetokunbo Abiru.
At the event, NILDS’ Director General, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, unveiled the Institute’s latest publication, “25 Years of Democracy and Development in Nigeria,” featuring a foreword by the Senate President. The publication details Nigeria’s democratic journey and development since 1999.
Additionally, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Maimounatou Ibrahima, visited NILDS to seek assistance in capacity development for parliamentarians and their support staff. Director-General Sulaiman assured her of NILDS’ readiness to provide services to the ECOWAS Parliament, emphasizing their commitment to the advancement and well-being of the sub-region.