University of Abuja, NILDS Launch Joint Postgraduate Programme, Matriculate 55 Students

The University of Abuja, in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has formally admitted 55 postgraduate students into its joint academic programme for the 2024/2025 academic session.

The matriculation ceremony, held at the NILDS complex in Abuja on Tuesday, marked the official commencement of the first cohort under the partnership between both institutions, designed to strengthen advanced studies in governance, democracy, and legislative development.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the programme represents a significant step in expanding academic collaboration between higher institutions and policy-focused research bodies. He noted that the partnership would provide students with access to interdisciplinary training and practical exposure in governance-related fields.

Professor Fawehinmi, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Rosemary Udeozor, formally declared the programme open and welcomed the new students into the joint academic structure of both institutions.

In his remarks, he stated that the students had become “full-fledged students of two great institutions,” describing the opportunity as a privilege that combines academic rigour with policy engagement.

The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Abuja, Professor Mutiullah Olasupo, provided background on the collaboration, noting that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both institutions was signed in 2024 and began implementation in 2025 with the admission of students into approved programmes.

He explained that the partnership covers five academic tracks: Electoral Management Studies, Democracy and Security Studies, Legislative and Democratic Leadership, Gender and Democratic Governance, and Legislative Entrepreneurship. According to him, the programmes will award postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees under the joint framework.

The collaboration is positioned as a strategic initiative aimed at bridging academic research with legislative practice, while strengthening capacity in democratic governance and institutional leadership.