Nigeria's NILDS aims to be global intellectual hub for democracy

Abubakar Sulaiman, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has articulated his vision for the institute to become a premier global center for democratic thought and research. Marking seven years in his role, Sulaiman, a professor and former Minister of National Planning, expressed his ambition for NILDS to serve not only Nigeria's parliament but also legislative bodies and democratic institutions across Africa and the world.

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I have impacted researchers, strengthened academic programmes and improved staff members’ welfare because every worker contributes meaningfully to the institute’s growth and institutional excellence.

During his tenure, Sulaiman stated that his administration prioritized institutional growth, staff well-being, research quality, and legislative capacity enhancement. He believes these efforts have positioned NILDS as a leading democratic governance institution on the African continent. Sulaiman specifically noted improvements in academic programs and staff welfare, emphasizing that collective commitment drives institutional success. He also pointed out that non-academic staff members, such as drivers, now have greater opportunities for higher education, with many pursuing doctoral degrees due to the removal of institutional barriers.

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Before I came on board, non-academic staff members rarely pursued higher education. Today, many have earned doctoral degrees because we deliberately removed unnecessary institutional barriers.

Sulaiman encouraged young Nigerians to engage actively in democratic processes, asserting that meaningful reforms stem from constructive citizen participation. "If you refuse to participate in the political process, you cannot continually condemn those making decisions. Democracy demands resilience, participation and responsible civic engagement," he stated. Drawing from his own experience as a student union leader, he stressed the importance of hope and commitment, noting that his own career path was shaped by active participation.

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If you refuse to participate in the political process, you cannot continually condemn those making decisions. Democracy demands resilience, participation and responsible civic engagement.

Looking ahead, Sulaiman urged his successor to learn from past experiences and consolidate current achievements to foster an even stronger institution. He envisions NILDS becoming a worldwide destination for legislative research, democratic governance, policy development, and capacity building, extending its influence beyond Nigeria and Africa. He highlighted the growing recognition of NILDS by legislatures in countries like Ghana, Gambia, Somalia, and South Africa as a preferred partner for legislative capacity development.

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I never imagined reaching this position, but participation opened opportunities. If I succeeded through engagement, young Nigerians can equally achieve their aspirations.