The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman and the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) have expressed their admiration for the University of Ilorin, affirming its status as one of the leading centres of excellence in Nigeria.
Both dons stated this when they paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, in his office.
Prof Sulyman, a former minister for national planning noted that the visit was to foster friendship and explore potential collaborations between the two institutions.
The Director General commended UNILORIN for its remarkable contributions to the academic landscape in Nigeria. He also acknowledged the University’s consistent dedication to producing high-quality research and its commitment to community development initiatives.
Prof. Sulaiman, expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has been involved with NILDS prior to his appointment as the 11th Chief Executive of the University.
He further explained that since assuming office, it has been a policy of NILDS to employ one person from UNILORIN on sabbatical leave every year, adding that this decision was made based on the recognition of the University’s intellectual strength and its contributions to the field of academia.
Prof. Sulaiman also appreciated the visionary approach of the Vice Chancellor in welcoming collaborations with NILDS. He expressed the belief that this partnership would enable UNILORIN to reach even greater heights and contribute significantly to legislative studies in the country.
The Director General announced that NILDS would be willing to provide support and guidance to nurture the newly established UNILORIN Institute for Legislative Studies, adding that this collaboration would further enhance the University’s capacity to conduct in-depth research and provide valuable insights into legislative and democratic processes in the country.
Also in his remarks during the visit, a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, emphasised the importance of the anticipated partnership between NILDS and the University of Ilorin. He stated that such a collaboration would greatly enhance the capabilities and impact of NILDS and the University of Ilorin.
Prof Jega, who is also a former Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic development, particularly the weaknesses of institutions, which in turn hinders effective governance and contributes to poor governance outcomes.
He therefore stressed the need for strong and vibrant institutions that possess clearly defined mandates to add value to the democratic process.
Recognising NILDS as one of the few institutions in Nigeria that continuously breaks new ground, Prof Jega stated that this recognition has motivated him to continue partnering with the Institute.
He stressed the importance of seeking alternative avenues for collaboration, such as partnerships with universities and research-driven institutions to further enhance the value and impact of democratic processes in the country.
While receiving the Director General and his entourage, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Egbewole expressed gratitude for the NILDS’s visit and noted its request for partnership with the University.
The VC acknowledged the significance of the recognition from NILDS leadership and pledged to establish a committee to explore areas of mutual interest and develop strategies for strengthening the partnership between the two institutions.
