Julitola International Secondary School, Lokoja, has clinched the top prize at the Kogi State edition of the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) National Quiz Competition, positioning itself to represent the state at the zonal stage of the contest.
‎
‎The keenly contested competition, which held on Thursday at GYB Model Science Secondary School, Lokoja, featured six secondary schools drawn from different parts of the state. It tested students’ knowledge on the legislature, democracy, and governance in Nigeria.
‎
‎Julitola International Secondary School distinguished itself with an impressive 45 points to secure first place, while Aleka Academy followed closely with 40 points as the first runner-up. Government Science Secondary School came third with 30 points. Other participants included Our Lady of Schools, Anyingba; St. Monica’s College, Kabba; and the host school, GYB Model Science Secondary School, Lokoja.
‎
‎In his remarks, Mr. Gideon Lamido, NILDS State Coordinator who represented the Director General of the Institute, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, emphasized that the competition was designed to broaden the civic and legislative knowledge of students, stressing the importance of exposing young people to the workings of democracy early in life.
‎
‎The State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Omolayo Barikisu Onozare, hailed the initiative, noting that while the theme of the competition may not be part of the regular curriculum, it serves as a valuable tool to stimulate students’ curiosity about governance.
‎
‎She assured that the Ministry would work to ensure greater participation of schools in future editions.
‎
‎With this victory, Julitola International Secondary School will carry Kogi’s flag at the zonal stage of the NILDS competition, as hopes are high that the school will bring glory to the state on a bigger stage.