The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) is set to offer courses that will lead to the award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, it was learnt yesterday.
NILDS Director General, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, announced this at the ninth matriculation of the institute yesterday in Abuja.
The planned academic programme, according to the NILDS boss, will be done in collaboration with the Federal University, Lokoja.
“Recently, a delegation from Federal University, Lokoja, visited the institute for academic collaborations, especially at the level of PhD. Talks are ongoing between the two institutions in order to seal the pact,” Sulaiman said.
The NILDS boss also said the various academic programmes being run by the institute have impacted greatly on legislative practices in the country at the federal and state levels.
Over the years, the number and quality of students being admitted to the various academic programmes of the institute have been on the rise.
“This is a confirmation of the relevance of these programmes and the impact they have had on successive students, which have inspired more people to join.
“I am delighted to report that the successes and achievements of the institute in all areas of capacity development have made NILDS not only a national but also an international model for a successful parliamentary support institution.
In the last two years, the Lagos State House of Assembly has passed a law establishing a Legislative Institute. Similar Bills are under consideration in other states’ Houses of Assembly, including Delta State.
“At the continental level, the Parliament of Benin Republic has established a Parliamentary Institute modelled on NILDS. A delegation from the Parliament visited the institute a few months ago to understudy our system and learn from our experience and success story.
“Similarly, we have received parliamentary delegations from various African countries, including Ghana and Uganda.
“Just recently, the Regional Parliament of Ethiopia approached us for a benchmarking visit due to hold at the end of this month,” he said.
Sulaiman said 20 out of the 80 matriculated students will undergo Master’s degree courses in Legislative Studies, 15 in Elections and Party Politics, seven in Parliamentary Administration, 18 in Law, 17 for post-graduate Diploma in Electoral and Political Party Management, nine for Higher National Diploma (HND) in Parliamentary Administration and four others for HND in Official Reporting.
“Today, 71 students will be officially admitted into the Master’s Programme, while 14 students will be enrolled in the HND programme in Official Reporting and Parliamentary Administration.
“Over the years, the number and quality of students being admitted to the various academic programmes of the Institute have been on the rise.
“This is a confirmation of the relevance of these programmes and the impact they have had on successive students, which have inspired more people to join,” he added.