NILDS and UNIBEN Introduce PhD Programs in Law and Governance

• Renew partnership to deepen research, policy development, democratic governance

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and expanded their academic collaboration by launching doctoral programmes in law, policy and legislation, as well as social science, politics and governance.

The renewed agreement, announced by NILDS in a statement signed in Abuja on Thursday, marks a significant expansion of a partnership that has lasted more than a decade and has focused on postgraduate education, research, capacity building and policy development.

At the signing ceremony, NILDS Director‑General Professor Abubakar Sulaiman described the renewal as a major milestone in a relationship that has consistently contributed to research, policy formulation and higher education in Nigeria.

According to Sulaiman, the agreement is more than a routine renewal of cooperation.

He said it reinforces the shared commitment of both institutions to academic excellence and national development.

“This renewed MoU is not just another agreement. It is a reaffirmation of a partnership that has delivered tangible value in research, policy development and higher education,” Sulaiman said.

He added that the newly introduced PhD programmes are designed to strengthen research capacity, produce highly skilled professionals and nurture future leaders for public service and governance.

“The inclusion of the PhD in Law, Policy and Legislation and the PhD in Social Science, Politics and Governance reflects our determination to advance knowledge, build expertise and contribute meaningfully to democratic governance,” Sulaiman said.

Sulaiman reiterated NILDS’ commitment to creating an enabling environment for research, innovation and policy development, and expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to thrive on mutual respect, shared responsibility and a common vision for national progress.

UNIBEN Vice‑Chancellor Professor Edoba Omoregie pledged the university’s commitment to deepening the collaboration, noting that the partnership has already yielded positive outcomes in training and research.

Omoregie expressed optimism that the renewed agreement would strengthen legislative studies, promote high‑quality research and support the consolidation of democratic governance and sustainable development in the country.

“This collaboration has produced significant gains over the years, and we are confident that the renewed partnership will broaden opportunities for research, learning and institutional development,” Omoregie said.

The ceremony was attended by UNIBEN Pro‑Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council Professor Shuaibu Umaru, as well as senior management officials from both institutions.