By Chinedu Echianu
National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies NILDS and University of Abuja have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in research, academic programmes and institutional development.
The renewed partnership followed a courtesy visit by the Vice-Chancellor, Hakeem Fawehinmi, to the Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Suleiman, at the institute’s headquarters in Abuja.
Areas of Cooperation
Discussions centred on expanding existing areas of cooperation and unlocking new opportunities in joint research, postgraduate training and policy engagement.
Professor Suleiman described the University of Abuja as one of NILDS’ most strategic academic partners, citing years of collaboration through staff exchanges, research support and joint academic programmes.
He noted that the partnership had delivered tangible outcomes even before the formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the university providing academic staff on sabbatical and supporting key institutional initiatives.
Currently, both institutions run joint postgraduate programmes at master’s and doctoral levels, aimed at strengthening legislative studies and governance capacity.
“The best Memorandum of Understanding we have had so far with any university is that of the University of Abuja,” Suleiman said.
Research as a Tool for National Security
A major highlight of the engagement was the emphasis on research as a critical tool for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Professor Suleiman called for deeper collaboration in areas such as gender studies, law reform, security research and evidence-based policymaking.
He stressed that tackling issues like banditry, kidnapping and insurgency requires a research-driven approach.
“It is only through research that we can identify the causes, understand the dynamics and provide lasting solutions,” he said.
UniAbuja Pushes Reform
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor UniAbuja Hakeem Fawehinmi, described the visit as a strategic move to strengthen institutional partnerships.
He commended NILDS for its growing reputation as a regional hub for legislative and democratic studies, attracting scholars from across Africa and beyond.
Fawehinmi also disclosed that the university, now renamed Yakubu Gowon University is undergoing reforms focused on internationalisation, improved service delivery and stronger academic impact.
“We are proud of our partnership, which has been mutually beneficial, and we believe it can be taken to the next level,” he said.
Renewed engagement
Both institutions expressed optimism that the renewed engagement would consolidate existing gains and contribute to national development through knowledge production, democratic governance and policy innovation.
The visit concluded with the presentation of books and souvenirs, alongside a group photograph to mark the occasion.
