The capacity-building initiative, tagged the “Include Naija” project, is designed to promote fundamental human rights and prepare young Nigerians for active participation in democratic and governance processes. The project runs from 2025 to 2027.
The programme is being implemented at the University of Abuja through its Department of Political Science, the Centre for Peace and Development at Veritas University, Bwari, the Centre for Gender Studies at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and the Centre for Gender Studies at Bayero University, Kano.
According to a statement made available to The PUNCH on Monday, the 2025 democracy workshop, hosted by the University of Abuja, brought together 50 students drawn from the participating institutions. The participants included 20 students from the University of Abuja and 15 each from Veritas University and Nasarawa State University.
Resource persons at the workshop included Prof. Yusuf Zoaka of the University of Abuja; Dr Hauwau Mainoma of Nasarawa State University; Dr Chibugo Lebechi of Veritas University; and Dame Ene Edeh of Equity Advocates.
During the sessions, Zoaka addressed topics on representative democracy, democratic principles, and the rule of law. Lebechi focused on the role of citizens in policymaking, public consultations, citizen assemblies, and the use of online civic platforms. Mainoma spoke on social inclusion and equity advocacy, while Edeh examined practical strategies for civic engagement, including lobbying, advocacy, and grassroots organisation.
The Include Naija project is being implemented in collaboration with Social Action and We the People, with funding support from the European Commission in Nigeria.
Beyond workshops, the initiative also features mentorship programmes for female students and advocacy visits to university authorities, state and national assemblies, as well as the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. As part of these activities, students participated in advocacy engagements, including attendance at a National Assembly public hearing on constitutional amendments.
Mentorship sessions were organised for 20 female students at each participating university, with mentors sharing personal and professional experiences aimed at inspiring future female leaders and highlighting the importance of guidance and support.
At Veritas University, mentors included Ene Obi, a former Student Union President at the University of Jos, and Hauwa Mustapha, a former student union activist at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, now a researcher with the Nigeria Labour Congress. The University of Abuja session featured Comfort Ogunye, founder of the Female Leadership Forum, alongside Dr Fatima Hassan, a former Vice President of the University of Jos Student Union.
Similarly, Nasarawa State University hosted mentorship sessions facilitated by Ene Obi and Hassan, while Bayero University, Kano, featured Sadaatu Sani, a former member of the House of Representatives, and Aisha Dankani, convener of the Kano Leads Initiative.
Participants described the workshops and mentorship engagements as inspiring and impactful, noting that the programme enhanced their understanding of democratic processes and strengthened their commitment to civic participation and national development.