By Haruna Salami
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has urged graduates of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and University of Benin UNIBEN to use their newly acquired skills to depeen the nation’s democracy.
The Senate President, who is the Chairman of NILDS made the call in his remarks at the 2023 Graduation Ceremony of NILDS/UNIBEN.
According to him, the NILDS/UNIBEN programmes were designed to train men and women who would deepen our democratic experience and hold aloft the banner of democratic ideals.
He identified strongly with the Convocation Lecture: “Improving Revenue Generation and Expenditure Management: Issues for Consideration”, adding “revenue generation and expenditure management are the twin wings which drive development”.
Some of the students who graduated at the 7th Convocation ceremony in Abuja Monday shared their views.
Mr. Alexander Oscar Apesough who graduated with Masters in Election and Party Politics (MEPP), described the programme as “very tedious”, adding “once you are able to pass through it, it is a thing of joy”.
Mr. Oscar, who is the Clerk of the Senate Committee on Appropriation said the new qualifications will enhance the jobs of those of them working in political environment like the National Assembly and also an advantage for those of them that are potential politicians.
“We are using this to build more capacity to work with those who make laws, represent and do oversight. It is an opportunity to get back to them and direct them the way to go for enhanced legislation, representation and oversight for our people”.
Olugbemi Adeleye, best graduating student Masters in Election and Party Politics (MEPP) looked at the training as a privilege because of its proximity to the office, adding “Instead of coming to the office to be gossiping, I plugged myself into the programme”.
Mr. Adeleye expressed his grateful to the National Assembly for sponsoring the training for all the staff who participated in the various programmes. “I’m eternally grateful to God for giving me the strength and also my organisation, the National Assembly management that sponsored us.
“This feat will help me to do my work professionally. I don’t run away from work, I either do the work assigned to me or I develop myself. The Assistant Committee Clerk, Senate Committee on Aviation.
He said his boss, the Committee Clerk, a lady, has been an inspiration for him in the programme as he combined the job with without allowing either to suffer.
The 2023 NILDS/UNIBEN Convocation ceremony had 81 graduands with 6 students receiving “Best student academic award in various post graduate programmes.
