NILDS DG Seeks Stronger EU Partnership to Expand School Debate Programme Nationwide

Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman has called for a stronger and sustained partnership between NILDS and the European Union (EU) to expand the Institute’s inter-secondary school debate programme into a national initiative.

The DG made the call when the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Ambassador Gautier Mignot paid a courtesy visit to the Institute on Thursday

Prof. Sulaiman noted that the NILDS-EU debate programme had demonstrated significant potential in promoting critical thinking, public speaking, civic awareness, and leadership among young people. He therefore called for an expansion of the programme to cover more schools and young people across the country.

The DG also emphasised the importance of building the capacity of the younger generation in artificial intelligence, digital communication, and other emerging technologies, particularly in ways that could enhance parliamentary practices and procedures.

He noted that equipping young people with relevant digital and technological skills would prepare them to contribute meaningfully to modern governance and democratic development.

In his remarks, Ambassador Mignot expressed the EU’s commitment to continued collaboration with NILDS, particularly in areas that promote democratic development, youth engagement, and institutional capacity building.

1. The Ambassador also toured the facilities of the Institute, where he was briefed on NILDS’ mandate, programmes, and activities.