…Southwest Clichés 2nd position with 60 points
The Gwagwalada Gifted School in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, emerged victorious in the 10th National Legislature and Democracy Quiz Competition for Nigerian Senior Secondary Schools, organized on Monday by the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
NILDS is a body of the National Assembly, which has the primary mandate of supporting legislative research and training of parliamentarians.
The grand finale of the competition featured champions from all six geopolitical zones, representing schools from all 36 states and the FCT.
Competing schools included Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua (South-South); Aba Academic Planet, Abia (Southeast); Model Secondary School, Akure (South West); Pen Resource Academy, Gombe (North East); Gifted School, Gwagwalada (north-central); and Bilikisu International School, Kaduna (Northwest).
After a fiercely contested competition, the Gifted School, representing North-Central, topped the standings with 70 points to claim first place.
Model Secondary School, Akure, bagged second place with 60 points after a tie-break, while Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua also scored 60 points and bagged third place.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman, described the event as a celebration of knowledge, citizenship and the democratic spirit of Nigeria.
Suleiman noted that over the past decade, the quiz had become a vital civic education platform promoting democratic consciousness among Nigerian youths.
He affirmed that democracy thrived with both an informed citizenry and its institutions, and emphasized the importance of young people understanding the powers and responsibilities of the legislature.
The DG described the contest as an investment in Nigeria’s democratic future by cultivating informed and responsible leaders.
Marking its 10th anniversary, the quiz competition began at the FCT and has now expanded nationwide, helping students understand law-making processes, representation and the role of the rule of law in governance.
Addressing challenges such as apathy, misinformation and intolerance, Suleiman highlighted education, critical thinking and youth participation as keys to strengthening democracy. He affirmed NILDS’ commitment to connecting the legislature with citizens through initiatives like this questionnaire.
He expressed gratitude to the NILDS governing council and members of the National Assembly for their sustained support. Congratulating the winners, he stressed that the knowledge acquired extends beyond the questionnaire, fostering leadership and integrity.
The event concluded with the presentation of trophies and cash prizes to the best performing schools.
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