By Zainab Bakare
Prominent academics, jurists, lawmakers and former public officials have celebrated the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Suleiman, for what they described as seven years of visionary leadership that has transformed the institute into a leading centre for legislative research, policy development and democratic governance in Africa.
The accolades came during an event marking Professor Suleiman’s seventh anniversary as Director-General, where speakers highlighted sweeping institutional reforms, infrastructure expansion, academic innovation, improved staff welfare and stronger local and international partnerships as hallmarks of his administration.
Former Senator Shehu Sani, who delivered the keynote address, praised Professor Suleiman’s dedication, strategic vision and commitment to public service, describing his tenure as a model of effective institutional leadership.
He urged members of staff to sustain the institute’s progress through innovation, professionalism and commitment, stressing that the continued growth of NILDS depends on the collective efforts of its workforce.
Senator Sani also advocated the establishment of specialised development centres for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to equip young Nigerians with leadership skills, civic knowledge and a deeper understanding of governance.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoriegbe, described Professor Suleiman as an exceptional administrator whose ability to serve successfully under two Senate Presidents without controversy reflects integrity, competence and uncommon leadership.
Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, commended the Director-General for overseeing the institute’s transition from a modest office to a permanent world-class headquarters while strengthening its academic reputation and expanding collaborations with universities across Nigeria.
“He has demonstrated that scholarship, leadership and public service can coexist. Nigeria should continue to benefit from his experience beyond his current tenure,” Na’Allah said.
Representing the University of Abuja, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Rosemary Ugiezo, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with NILDS, describing Professor Suleiman as one of the institution’s finest ambassadors.
The judiciary also pledged deeper collaboration with the institute, as the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo (rtd.), commended NILDS for advancing legislative development and promoting dialogue between the legislature and the judiciary to strengthen constitutional democracy.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the unveiling of a book documenting the evolution of Nigeria’s legislative research and policy institutions and the transformation of NILDS into one of Africa’s foremost knowledge centres.
Reviewing the publication, Dr. Fajingbesi Adeyemi traced the institute’s journey from the Policy Analysis and Research Project established in 2003 to bridge legislative capacity gaps, to the National Institute for Legislative Studies in 2011, and its eventual expansion into the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in 2017.
He noted that the publication captures the institute’s growing influence in legislative training, policy analysis and democratic governance, while highlighting partnerships with institutions including the British House of Commons, the Australian Parliament, the European Parliament and several African legislatures.
Dr. Adeyemi also paid tribute to the institute’s founding leadership, including former Director-General Professor Ladi Hamalai, while acknowledging Professor Suleiman’s role in expanding NILDS’ continental relevance.
Another major milestone during the anniversary was the commissioning of the NILDS Health Clinic by Professor Suleiman, a facility established to improve staff welfare and provide accessible healthcare services within the institute.
Throughout the celebration, speakers identified the relocation of NILDS to its permanent headquarters as one of the Director-General’s most enduring achievements.
Other milestones highlighted include the expansion of the institute from five to 14 departments, the introduction of new postgraduate programmes, improved staff welfare, the creation of specialised research centres, the establishment of Democracy Radio, expanded partnerships with universities and legislatures, gender and anti-corruption initiatives, and enhanced legislative training for lawmakers at federal, state and local levels.
A documentary presented at the event showcased the institute’s transformation since 2019, describing the period as one of sustained institutional growth, stronger research capacity and increasing continental relevance.
Several speakers argued that Professor Suleiman’s record of leadership positions him for greater national responsibilities after the completion of his tenure, urging him to remain actively engaged in public service.
The anniversary also reflected NILDS’ growing engagement beyond legislative research, with the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria commending the Director-General for supporting sports development and promoting staff wellbeing through initiatives such as the Director-General’s Sports and Fitness Day.
Responding to the tributes from academics, jurists, lawmakers, former public officials and institutional partners, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, expressed appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to excellence.
“I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has taken the time to celebrate this milestone and to acknowledge the progress made by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies over the past seven years. I accept these kind words with humility, knowing that every achievement recorded during this period is the result of the collective efforts, dedication and professionalism of our staff, the unwavering support of the leadership of the National Assembly, our Governing Council, development partners and all our stakeholders. These commendations inspire us to remain committed to excellence as we continue to strengthen legislative capacity, advance democratic governance and position NILDS as a world-class centre for research, policy and leadership development.”.
As Professor Suleiman enters the final phase of his tenure, stakeholders expressed confidence that the foundations laid over the past seven years will further strengthen NILDS’ position as Africa’s leading institute for legislative studies, policy development and democratic governance.
The event ended with renewed commitments from partner institutions to deepen collaboration in research, legislative capacity building and public policy, while participants unanimously described Professor Suleiman’s stewardship as a defining chapter in the institute’s history.
