In an inspiring turn of events, Enitona High School from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, emerged victorious at the 9th edition of the “National Quiz Competition on Legislature and Democracy for Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria,” held in Abuja. Organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), the competition brought together students from all six geopolitical zones, with Enitona High School representing the South-South and topping the charts with 70 points. The School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, FCT, followed closely with 65 points, while Bishop Otubelu Juniorate from Enugu, South-East, scored 55 points to secure third place.
The competition, which featured schools from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, aims to promote a deeper understanding of the legislature’s role in Nigeria’s democratic governance. Students from each region displayed impressive knowledge and enthusiasm, with Prof. Abubakar Suleiman, NILDS’s director-general, commending their dedication and competitive spirit. Prof. Suleiman remarked on the resilient performance of public schools, despite facing years of neglect. He noted, “Public schools are still doing well. Our hope relies on them, and we must do everything possible to bring back their lost glory.”
The NILDS DG was also pleased with the notable representation of female students in the final, pointing out that girls are increasingly competing strongly against their male counterparts. “Out of the 12 students at this finale, six are girls, showing that what men can do, women can do too,” he observed. This follows last year’s historic all-girls final, demonstrating a positive shift toward gender equity in academic competitions.
The winning students from Enitona High School received scholarships to cover their university tuition, alongside gifts including laptops, cash awards, and certificates. This year’s competition also garnered support from notable leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who praised NILDS for its commitment to educational empowerment. Hon. Abbas encouraged the participants, saying, “You are being prepared for the future to play your role in Nigeria’s democratic space.”
In addition to the quiz competition, NILDS has expanded its educational outreach by organizing a workshop on citizen journalism in partnership with Democracy Radio and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development. The event, attended by 50 students from various schools in the FCT, focused on equipping youth with digital skills to combat misinformation. Prof. Suleiman emphasized the importance of teaching students online safety, fact-checking, and responsible reporting. “With digital technology democratizing information, it’s crucial that young Nigerians learn to discern truth from falsehood and engage in storytelling that drives positive change,” he said.
The workshop introduced students to “solution journalism,” an approach that not only highlights societal problems but also explores constructive responses and solutions. “In today’s evolving media landscape, citizen journalism is crucial for a thriving democracy,” Suleiman explained, urging participants to embrace their role as responsible reporters.
As NILDS continues its mission to foster informed, responsible citizens, the recent quiz competition and journalism workshop underscore the institute’s commitment to education, empowerment, and a democratic future for Nigeria.
