Eziachi Secondary School Wins 11th NILDS Quiz Competition In Imo

Eziachi Secondary School, Orlu, has emerged winner of the 11th edition of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, Quiz Competition for secondary schools in Imo State.

The competition, held at Government Secondary School, Owerri yesterday Tuesday September 29,2026,brought together students from secondary schools across the three senatorial zones of the state to test their knowledge of the legislature, democracy, constitutional governance and civic responsibility.

Eziachi Secondary School clinched the first position after a keenly contested three-round competition, while Uhi Comprehensive Secondary School, Amuzi, Mbaise, came second. Anara Community Secondary School, Isiala Mbano, emerged third.

Addressing the students, the Executive Secretary of the Imo State Secondary Education Management Board, SEMB, Mrs Theresa Okwu, described the NILDS quiz as a valuable platform for secondary school students to deepen their understanding of the legislature, constitutional governance and civic responsibility.

Mrs Okwu said the programme goes beyond an academic competition, describing it as an investment in the future of Nigeria's democracy, as it exposes young people to the workings of the legislature and the principles of democratic governance.

She congratulated Eziachi Secondary School on its victory and commended all participating schools for their sportsmanship.

The SEMB Executive Secretary urged principals and teachers to continue to adequately prepare their students for the competition, stressing the importance of education and youth development in preparing young Nigerians for responsible citizenship.

Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, Faith Onyebujoh said the essence of the competition was to promote awareness and understanding of the legislature, democracy and governance among young Nigerians.

She explained that the initiative was designed to nurture the values of participation, accountability and patriotism, noting that the legislature thrives when citizens, particularly young people, understand its roles, powers and limitations.

According to her, the competition should not be viewed merely as an academic exercise, but as a deliberate investment in the future of Nigeria's democracy.

She said exposing young Nigerians to the workings of the legislature would help them develop a better understanding of democratic governance and prepare them for meaningful participation in the country's future.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Imo State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon. Obinna Egu, represented by Mrs Susan Afoaku, congratulated the winners and all participating schools.

She urged the students to take their studies seriously and avoid distractions, particularly excessive engagement with social media.

Mrs Afoaku also commended the schools, principals and teachers for their efforts in preparing the students for the competition.

The NILDS Imo State Representative, Mrs Ifeyinwa Udenkwo, expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the competition, including the Executive Secretary of SEMB, members of the quiz committee, principals and teachers.

She congratulated Eziachi Secondary School and the other participating schools, stressing the need to sustain programmes that promote legislative awareness, democratic values and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.

In their response, the twin brothers who represented Eziachi Secondary School, Nlewedim Chinaemerem and Nlewedim Chiemerie, thanked God for their victory and attributed their success to hard work and dedication.

The brothers expressed optimism that they would make Imo State proud when they represent the state at the South-East Competition scheduled to hold in Enugu in October.

The competition followed the preliminary knockout stage, where two schools from each of the three senatorial zones emerged to represent their respective zones at the state level.

The Owerri Senatorial Zone was represented by Akwakuma Girls Secondary School and Uhi Comprehensive Secondary School, Amuzi, Mbaise.

The Orlu Senatorial Zone was represented by Eziachi Secondary School and Comprehensive Secondary School, Awo-Omamma, while the Okigwe Senatorial Zone was represented by Community Secondary School, Anara, Isiala Mbano, and Okenalogho Secondary Technical School, Obowo.

The event was anchored by Mr Pascal Njoku,a journalist and one time Public Relations Officer of Secondary Education Management Board Imo State.

The NILDS Quiz Competition is aimed at equipping secondary school students with knowledge of Nigeria's legislative processes and democratic institutions, while encouraging them to become informed and responsible citizens.