By Victoria Okpanachi
The School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja, has emerged winner in the 10th edition of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), North Central Zonal Quiz Competition on Legislature and Democracy, held in Lokoja.

Schools that participated in the keenly contested quiz included St. Andrews Secondary School, Adikpo, Benue State; School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja; ECWA Staff School, Jos, Plateau State; Shepherd’s International College, Akwanga, Nasarawa State; Muazu Ibrahim Commercial Secondary School, Kontagora, Niger State; Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Kwara State, and Julitola International School, Lokoja, Kogi State.
In his address, the Director General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Suleiman, represented by the Zonal Coordinator, Hajia Juwairatu Abdulsalam, emphasised the importance of the initiative in grooming future leaders.

He said the competition aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the legislature and promote civic and democratic awareness.
Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Alabi Bamigbade, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to quality education.

The commissioner further commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for dedicating 30 percent of the state’s annual budget to the education sector.
The State representative of the competition, Director of Basic and Secondary Education at the State Ministry of Education, Mr. Mathew Salami, encouraged participants to give their best.
He described the competition as a valuable opportunity for students to exchange ideas, learn collaboratively, and develop self-confidence through academic interaction.
After a highly competitive session, the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja, emerged the overall winner with a total of 75 points. Muazu Ibrahim Commercial Secondary School, Kontagora, Niger State, came second with 60 points, while ECWA Staff School, Jos, secured third place with 45 points.
Miss Jambo Tamunobellma and Miss Yusuf Bushra, who represented the winning school, expressed gratitude to NILDS for providing an educative platform for students in secondary school to thrive.

