ABUJA – Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, on Tuesday said that establishing the National Institute for Legislative Studies was crucial to efforts at moving the country’s legislative process forward.
Ihedioha said this during the matriculation of students of the institute in Abuja.
He said that one of the most important achievements of the legislature in Nigeria was the setting up of the institute.
According to him, the matriculation is a landmark event as it is the first time on record that an institution specifically dedicated to academic excellence and capacity building in the legislative arm has been given pride of place.
“As pioneer students of this experiment, you have a heavy burden of responsibility not only to acquit yourselves creditably but to set the standards and pace for academic excellence in legislative research and to build the foundations of a strong Alumni of the future.
“It is also important to note that beyond academics, all those matriculating today have become ambassadors of not just NILS-UNIBEN, but the National Assembly and the legislature in Nigeria.
“I am emphasising the word – ambassadors – because the legislature even though it should be the most important arm of government, considering its functions, however, remains the most misunderstood and misrepresented arm.
According to him, “when you eventually graduate you will belong to a strong community, knowledgeable in legislative affairs and able in the future to influence legislative policy, practice and programmes in Nigeria.
“I am particularly delighted that going through the names of all the students, both for Masters in Legislative Affairs and Masters in Legislative Drafting, all parts of Nigeria and people with diverse backgrounds are represented.
“So, although this is strictly an academic affair, somehow the principles of federal character has been observed in the admission of students. I most heartily congratulate you on this enviable achievement and welcome you to these two great institutions.
“ Today we greet you as heirs to the academic traditions not only of the University of Benin and NILS, but of scholarly institutions around the world.
He, therefore, urged the students to use their talents, intellect and enthusiasm to carry forward our shared commitment to the great traditions of advanced learning.
Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, said that as new members of the enlarged University, the school expected them to strive for excellence even after graduation.
“We do recognise the fact that you are matured students, therefore, we do not expect you to embark on `ALUTA’ like the young undergraduates.
“Nevertheless, we must not lose sight of the fact that there may be grievances from time to time.
“As a people who are undergoing training to become responsible members of society and leadership positions, efforts should be made to resort to dialogue and consultation rather than mass demonstration which at times degenerate to violence.’’ (NAN)
