Two Students Win University Scholarships as Ondo School Tops NILDS National Quiz

Two students from Model Secondary School, Akure, Ondo State, have won scholarships covering their education up to university level after their school emerged winner of the 11th National Quiz Competition on Legislature and Democracy organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

The competition, held on Monday at the institute’s headquarters in Abuja, brought together six secondary schools representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Model Secondary School, Akure, secured first position with 75 points, earning a cash prize of N1 million, laptops and school bags, in addition to scholarships for its two participating students.

Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua, Edo State, representing the South-South, came second with 60 points and received N500,000, laptops and school bags.

Government Day Secondary School, Kuwiri, Jos, Plateau State, representing the North-Central, finished third with 50 points and received N300,000, alongside laptops and school bags.

The other participating schools were Government Day Secondary School, Bojude, Gombe State; Jigawa Academy for the Gifted, Bamaina, Jigawa State; and St. Patrick’s College, Awka, Anambra State.

Speaking after the competition, the team leader from the winning school, Heritage Babayode, expressed happiness over the victory, describing it as a reward for the students’ hard work and preparation.

Babayode said the team regularly attended Saturday study sessions to read and practise questions ahead of the competition.

He disclosed that it was the school’s third appearance at the national contest, having finished second in its previous two outings before securing the title.

He credited their teacher, Simdile Edebo, for his dedication to coaching the students and preparing them for the competition.

The Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, congratulated all participating schools, describing their performances as evidence of the students’ commitment to academic excellence.

He said the competition was designed to deepen young Nigerians’ understanding of the legislature, democratic governance and the responsibilities of public institutions.

Sulaiman urged the students to remain committed to learning and develop the knowledge and values required for responsible citizenship and future leadership.

The 11th edition of the competition focused on legislative processes, parliamentary procedures and democratic governance. It is part of NILDS’ civic education programme aimed at encouraging young people to understand lawmaking, representation and legislative oversight.

The institute said the initiative had been sustained for more than a decade as part of efforts to promote democratic awareness and informed participation among Nigerian youths.