Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Rosemary Udeozor, described the programme as a landmark academic collaboration between the two institutions. “We have come here today to usher you into a great academic pursuit, where many of you will be engaged and assisted in acquiring higher degrees. By this ceremony, you have become full-fledged students of two great institutions, and I can say that you all are blessed,” he remarked.
Prof. Mutiullah Olasupo, Dean of Social Sciences at UniAbuja, provided the background of the partnership, noting that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the collaboration was signed in 2024. Implementation began in 2025 with the admission of students into the newly introduced programmes.
The postgraduate courses offered under the partnership include:
- Electoral Management Studies
- Democracy and Security Studies
- Legislative and Democratic Leadership
- Gender and Democratic Governance
- Legislative Entrepreneurship
“These programmes, approved by the joint collaboration committee, will award diplomas, Master’s, and PhD degrees. Today’s ceremony specifically ushers in our students and familiarizes them with what is academically expected,” Olasupo explained, urging students to demonstrate commitment and pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of NILDS, highlighted the strategic importance of education within President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. He commended the transparent admission process, noting that the first cohort comprises 47% female and 43% male students, and encouraged students to adhere strictly to institutional laws and regulations.
The matriculation ceremony also featured the administration of the oath by Prof. Mohammed Sambo, Acting Registrar of UniAbuja, and concluded with the symbolic signing of the matriculation register by the students—a moment marking their formal induction into both institutions.
This partnership represents a significant step in advancing postgraduate education focused on legislative and democratic studies in Nigeria, positioning graduates to contribute meaningfully to governance, public policy, and democratic leadership across the continent.