NILDS Moves To Tackle Apathy, Misinformation Through Civic Education

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies ( NILDS), has taken steps to address the challenges of apathy, misinformation and intolerance confronting the nation’s democracy through education, critical thinking, and active participation of youth.

The Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman, stated this grand finale of 10th edition of the national quiz competition on legislature and democracy for Senior Secondary Schools in the country by the institutes, held in Abuja yesterday.

Suleiman said the event was a celebration of knowledge, citizenship and democratic spirit that united Nigeria as a nation.

He noted that over the past decade, the initiative had grown into one of Nigeria’s most impactful civic education programmes, promoting awareness of democracy and governance among young citizens.

The NILDS boss emphasised that democracy thrived not only on institutions but also on an informed citizenry, adding that the legislature prospers when citizens, especially the youth, understood its powers, duties, and limitations.

“This competition is more than an academic exercise; it represents a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s democratic future, building informed and responsible citizens for tomorrow’s leadership.

“This year’s edition marks a major milestone the 10th anniversary of a vision that began within the FCT and now spans every geopolitical zone.

“Through this platform, many students have learned how laws are made, how representation works, and why the rule of law remains central to governance.

“NILDS continues to bridge the gap between the legislature and the people, fostering democratic awareness and civic education through this impactful initiative” he added

Suleiman appreciated the governing council of NILDS and the National Assembly members for their continuous support and vision in sustaining and expanding the competition nationwide.

While congratulating the winners, he stressed that what they learned goes beyond quiz but builds leadership and integrity.

At end of the exercise the School of the gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja emerged as the winners of the 10th edition of the competition.

Schools from the 36 states and the FCT participated in the quiz competition with six schools from the six geopolitical zones of the country, making it to the grand finale.

Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua Edo state represented South South, Academic Planet Aba, Abia state represented South East and Model Secondary School, Akure, Ondo state represented South West.

Others are Pen Resource Academy, Gombe state which represented North-East, School of the gifted, Gwagwalada, FCT Abuja represented North Central and
Bilikisu International School, Kaduna, represented Kaduna state.

At the end of the keenly contested competition, students of the school of the Gifted, Gwagwalada, who represented North Central, scored 70 points to emerge the winners.

The second position went to the students of Model Secondary School, Akure, Ondo state, representing the South West who scored 60 points and won the position after a tie-breaker.

The third position went to the students of Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua, Edo who represented South South and scored 60 points.