Introduction to the Convocation Ceremony
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has emphasized the importance of effective oversight by State Houses of Assembly to ensure that government funds are utilized efficiently, leading to improved livelihoods and job creation for citizens. This statement was made at the 2025 National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS)-University of Benin (UNIBEN) convocation ceremony in Abuja.
The Role of the 10th National Assembly
Akpabio highlighted the efforts of the 10th National Assembly in increasing revenue through its oversight functions, which has resulted in higher allocations to states and the Federal Government. He urged state legislatures to ensure that the increased revenue translates into tangible benefits for citizens, such as improved livelihoods and job creation. The Senate President also called for continuous investment in the development of Nigeria by its citizens, stressing that Nigerians have no other country to call their own and must therefore work towards its overall good.
Economic Reforms and Growth
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, noted that the reforms implemented by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration are beginning to yield positive results. Although citizens may have varying experiences, the economy is on a better growth trajectory than it would have been under a ‘business-as-usual’ scenario. Inflation has declined below 20%, and the value of the naira is appreciating relative to major global currencies. Tajudeen emphasized the need to consolidate these gains, particularly through reforms in the budget process to ensure commitment to budget timelines.
Deepening Democratic Development
In a lecture, former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega stressed the need for constant vigilance and effort to prevent democratic regression or backsliding in countries like Nigeria, which have a history of authoritarian military rule. Jega emphasized the importance of deepening democratic development towards consolidation and sustainability, given the global crisis of democracy characterized by ‘autocratisation.’ He highlighted the need to uplift the integrity of elections by increasing the capacity, competence, and professionalism of INEC and deploying global best practices adapted to the Nigerian context.
Electoral Integrity and Funding
Jega also stressed the importance of ensuring that electoral offenders are held accountable and sanctioned appropriately. He advocated for increased deployment and use of adaptable technology and adequate funding for the Electoral Management Bodies (EMB) to ensure robust and effective electoral integrity. The Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, called for increased funding for higher institutions in the country to enhance skills development, emphasizing that low funding would translate to poor quality graduates.
Conclusion
The 2025 NILDS-UNIBEN convocation ceremony served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting Nigeria’s development, including the need for effective oversight, economic reforms, deepening democratic development, and electoral integrity. The calls for increased funding for higher institutions and the need to address the issue of incessant ASUU strikes underscore the challenges facing the country’s education sector. As Nigeria continues on its path towards development, it is essential for citizens, policymakers, and stakeholders to work together to address these challenges and ensure a brighter future for the country.
FAQs
- What was the main theme of the 2025 NILDS-UNIBEN convocation ceremony?
The main theme of the ceremony was the importance of effective oversight, economic reforms, and deepening democratic development in Nigeria. - What reforms has the President Bola Tinubu-led administration implemented?
The administration has implemented reforms that are beginning to yield positive results, including a decline in inflation and an appreciation of the naira’s value. - What is the importance of electoral integrity in Nigeria?
Electoral integrity is crucial in preventing democratic regression or backsliding and ensuring that the will of the people is reflected in the outcome of elections. - Why is increased funding for higher institutions necessary?
Increased funding is necessary to enhance skills development and prevent poor quality graduates, which can have a direct impact on the country’s human capacity development. - What is the role of the 10th National Assembly in ensuring effective oversight?
The 10th National Assembly plays a critical role in ensuring effective oversight by increasing revenue through its oversight functions, which has resulted in higher allocations to states and the Federal Government.
