Two leading Nigerian institutions have deepened a decade long academic partnership, introducing doctoral programmes in law, policy, and governance as part of a renewed collaboration signed in Abuja on Thursday.

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies and the University of Benin formalised the expanded agreement through a renewed Memorandum of Understanding, which now includes a PhD in Law, Policy and Legislation and a PhD in Social Science, Politics and Governance.

The University of Benin Vice Chancellor, Professor Edoba Omoregie, pledged the institution's commitment to deepening the collaboration, expressing confidence that the renewed agreement would strengthen legislative studies, promote high quality research, and support the consolidation of democratic governance in Nigeria. "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," he stated.

The Director General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, described the renewal as a major milestone rather than a routine administrative exercise. He said the agreement reaffirmed 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 stated.

He noted that the newly introduced doctoral programmes were designed to strengthen research capacity, produce highly skilled professionals, and develop 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," he added.

Sulaiman reaffirmed NILDS' commitment to fostering an enabling environment for research, innovation, and policy development, expressing confidence that the partnership would continue to thrive on mutual respect and a shared vision for national progress.

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