NILDS Holds 11th National Quiz Competition Grand Finale, Rewards Outstanding Secondary Schools

National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has held the grand finale of its 11th National Quiz Competition on Legislature and Democracy for Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria, with Model Secondary School, Akure, Ondo State, emerging overall winner.

The competition, held today Monday, November 9, 2026, at the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja, brought together six finalist schools representing the six geopolitical zones of the country to test their knowledge of legislative processes, parliamentary procedures and democratic governance.

Declaring the event open, the Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to promoting civic awareness and democratic values among young Nigerians. He noted that the competition, which has been sustained for over a decade, provides students with practical knowledge of the legislature and its role in a democratic system.

Professor Sulaiman explained that the initiative was designed to deepen young people’s understanding of lawmaking, oversight and representation, while encouraging informed participation and responsible citizenship. He commended the technical assessors, state coordinators, teachers and partner institutions for their contributions to the success of the competition.

He further urged the contestants to embrace humility, continue learning and serve as ambassadors of democratic values in their schools and communities, noting that the future of Nigeria and Africa depends on young people equipped with the knowledge and values to strengthen democratic institutions.

In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Legislative Budget and Planning, National Assembly, Hon. Dr. David Ukoha, representing the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, encouraged the students to draw inspiration from successful individuals and broaden their understanding of developments beyond Nigeria.

He emphasised the importance of investing in education and protecting the electoral system as essential foundations for democracy. He urged the students to develop their potential and aspire to leadership positions, noting that some of them could become future legislators, speakers, governors and other leaders who would contribute to national development.

Also speaking, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara Adetola, Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, urged the students to uphold integrity, tolerance, accountability and respect for opposing views.

She described the competition as an important platform for bringing young Nigerians closer to legislative institutions and helping them understand their role in democracy. She encouraged students to cultivate critical thinking, confidence and an interest in national affairs, while commending teachers and school administrators for nurturing responsible future citizens.

Similarly, Senator Dr. Titus Tartenger Zam, representing the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, described the legislature as an institution that belongs to the people because its members are elected to represent their interests. He encouraged the students to take ownership of the democratic process and understand the legislature’s core responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight and representation.

Senator Zam urged the young participants to study hard and prepare for future leadership responsibilities, noting that the programme would help them appreciate the legislature and its contribution to governance.

In a goodwill message, Hon. Abubakar Sadiq, representing the Commissioner for Education, Gombe State, commended NILDS for taking democratic education beyond the classroom and exposing students to practical knowledge of governance and democratic institutions.

The six schools that competed at the grand finale were Government Day Secondary School, Bojude, Gombe State, representing the North-East; Jigawa Academy for the Gifted, Bamaina, Jigawa State, representing the North-West; Government Day Secondary School, Kuwiri, Jos, Plateau State, representing the North-Central; St. Patrick’s College, Awka, Anambra State, representing the South-East; Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua, Edo State, representing the South-South; and Model Secondary School, Akure, Ondo State, representing the South-West.

At the end of the competition, Model Secondary School, Akure, Ondo State, emerged winner with 75%, receiving a cash prize of ₦1 million. Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua, Edo State, came first runner-up with 60% and received ₦500,000, while Government Day Secondary School, Kuwiri, Jos, Plateau State, emerged second runner-up with 50%, receiving ₦300,000.

All participating contestants were also presented with laptops and school bags as gifts.

The competition reaffirmed NILDS’ commitment to strengthening civic education, promoting democratic awareness and preparing young Nigerians for informed participation in governance.