By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Federal University Lokoja (FUL), in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has matriculated 66 new doctoral students for the 2025/2026 academic session.
With a strong warning that no student, regardless of status or influence, will receive preferential treatment in the pursuit of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.
The matriculation ceremony, held at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja, marked the fourth academic session and the second matriculation under the partnership between the two institutions, which was established to strengthen research and human capital development in legislative and democratic governance.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Gbenga Solomon Ibileye , said the university would uphold the highest standards of academic integrity throughout the doctoral programmes.
He stressed that every candidate would undergo rigorous academic processes, including internal seminars, pre-field and post-field defences, and assessment by external examiners selected strictly on competence.
According to him, the university senate would only award a doctorate after confirming that the candidate’s thesis constitutes an original contribution to knowledge.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that academic assessment would remain free from political influence, social status or financial considerations.
He noted that distinguished senators, senior public officials and junior legislative aides would all be subjected to the same academic requirements, deadlines and evaluation standards.
He described the approach as essential to preserving the credibility of the doctorate, arguing that Nigeria needs leaders and public officials whose qualifications are backed by genuine scholarship rather than influence.
He lamented the growing disconnect between academic credentials and competence in the country, insisting that the partnership would not compromise its reputation by issuing certificates that could not withstand international academic scrutiny.
Highlighting the success of the programme, the Vice-Chancellor said several distinguished public officials have either graduated or are currently enrolled in the doctoral programmes.
He cited the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as one of the notable graduates, while adding that several serving senators, members of the House of Representatives and professionals from various sectors are also participating in the programmes.
Addressing the newly admitted students, he urged them to remain committed to regular class attendance, maintain close engagement with their supervisors and strictly observe academic integrity.
He warned against plagiarism, data falsification and the purchase of research work, describing fraudulent doctoral degrees as lifelong liabilities that could damage public credibility.
The Vice-Chancellor also encouraged students to focus their research on practical national challenges capable of influencing legislation, public policy, governance and institutional reforms rather than producing dissertations that remain unused on library shelves.
He further called for deeper collaboration between Federal University Lokoja and NILDS, including the introduction of additional doctoral programmes and the establishment of a structured alumni network to create a community of scholars contributing directly to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Delivering the Director-General’s address on behalf of the Director-General of NILDS, Abubakar O. Suleiman, the Director of Legal Services, Dr. Danwaka shuaibu congratulated the matriculating students and described their admission as recognition of their academic potential and commitment to advanced scholarship.
He acknowledged the support of the leadership of the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, and the management of Federal University Lokoja in sustaining the collaboration.
The Director-General’s message noted that since the Memorandum of Understanding between NILDS and Federal University Lokoja was signed in July 2023, the partnership has become a major platform for strengthening legislative education and democratic governance in Nigeria.
According to the address, the collaboration currently offers six specialised doctoral programmes in Peace and Conflict Studies, Election and Party Politics, Legislative Drafting, Leadership and Strategic Studies, Parliamentary Administration, and Legislative Studies.
Since the commencement of the programmes, about 400 students have been admitted, with the latest cohort of 66 doctoral candidates joining the academic community during the 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony.
The institutions reaffirmed their commitment to producing highly skilled researchers and policy experts capable of strengthening legislative practice, democratic governance and evidence-based public policymaking in Nigeria.
