Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, have lauded the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) , for its yearly quiz competition on legislature and democracy among students of senior secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory.
The duo made the commendation Tuesday at the final stage of the 5th edition of the competition held at the premises of the National Assembly in collaboration with the FCT Secondary Educations Board ( SEB) and Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Lawan who was represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Basic Education, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam (APC Yobe East), noted that the event was useful for the character growth of the students.
He said such events would allow students from different backgrounds to meet, interact and network.
He noted that NILDS’ effort is laudable as it will be a catalyst for the development of a curriculum for secondary schools on the subject.
“The need is unique because it is useful for our governance,” he added.
Gbajabiamila, who was represented by Chairman, House Committee on Basic Education, Hon Julius Ihovbere, said education was the basis for change in any society.
According to him, “In line with the House of Representatives legislative Agenda, education is going to be adopted as a tool for technological and other necessary advancements.
“We plan to pay very special attention to it. This quiz competition will put confidence in students,” adding that “all participants should see themselves as winners.”
Prior to the final stage, the Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman said that the annual quiz competition is helping to breed future democrats.
He said: ” I am a firm believer in the fact that education can contribute to democracy and democratic citizenship by offering equal opportunity to children of different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
“It also helps in preparing citizens to know, understand , appreciate and choose democracy by teaching them specific knowledge, skills and values needed to become democratic citizens.”
At the end of the quiz competition, Government Secondary School, Gwarimpa Estate came 1st position; Government Secondary School, Karu-2nd position; and GSS, Abaji-3rd position respectively.
