Abuja: University of Abuja, in partnership with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has admitted the first cohort of 55 postgraduate students for the 2024/2025 academic session.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Vice-Chancellor of Uni Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, addressed the students at the matriculation ceremony, held at the NILDS complex on Tuesday.
Declaring the event open, Fawehinmi, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Rosemary Udeozor, emphasized the collaborative nature of the postgraduate program with NILDS. He welcomed the students, stating that they are now a part of two esteemed institutions and are on a path to achieve higher academic degrees.
Prof. Mutiullah Olasupo, Dean of Social Sciences at Uni Abuja, provided insights into the collaboration, noting that the matriculation marks a significant milestone. He explained that the memorandum of understanding for the partnership was signed in 2024, with the first student admissions occurring in 2025. The programs offered include Electoral Management Studies, Democracy and Security Studies, Legislative and Democratic Leadership, Gender and Democratic Governance, and Legislative Entrepreneurship.
Olasupo highlighted that the collaboration committee of the institutions approved these five programs, which will offer diplomas, Masters, and PhD degrees. He encouraged students to strive for academic excellence in their respective fields.
Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of NILDS, remarked on the importance of education in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. He acknowledged the evolving academic programs at NILDS in collaboration with Uni Abuja and advised the students to adhere to institutional regulations. The admission process was noted for its transparency, with a demographic of 47 percent female and 43 percent male students.
The ceremony concluded with the oath-taking, administered by the acting Registrar of Uni Abuja, Prof. Mohammed Sambo.