By Sunday Ani
In its efforts to transform political literacy and governance in Nigeria, the Electoral College Nigeria, recently celebrated the graduation of its 15th cohort.
A statement by the Executive Director, Electoral College Nigeria, Kunle Lawal, described the event as not just a celebration of academic achievement but a testament to the tangible impact students have made during their time at the College.
“At a time when Nigeria’s democracy faces mounting challenges, the need for well-informed and capable leaders has never been more pressing. The Electoral College is at the forefront of addressing this need, preparing our graduates to step into roles that will shape the future of the nation,” he said.
He noted that one of the key differentiators of the programmes in the college is the emphasis on practical, real-world projects that allow students to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to their communities. “The 15th cohort, like those before them, engaged in physical projects designed to address governance issues that directly affect everyday Nigerians.
“These projects have yielded concrete results, from improving voter education and engagement in rural areas to fostering transparency and accountability in local governance.
“This hands-on approach is at the core of our educational model, ensuring that our graduates leave with not only theoretical knowledge but also the experience and confidence to effect meaningful change,” he stated.
He emphasised that no time was more appropriate for political literacy in Nigeria than now that the country’s democracy is at a crossroads. “The country faces numerous challenges, including low voter turnout, corruption, and widespread public distrust in political institutions. As we continue to navigate these issues, one thing is clear: political literacy is essential for the survival and growth of our democracy.
“Unfortunately, many citizens still perceive political participation as a once-in-four-years affair, limited to casting a vote during elections. At the Electoral College Nigeria, we are working tirelessly to change this mindset by equipping our students with a deeper understanding of governance and the political process.
“Our 27-module curriculum covers the full spectrum of political and governance topics, from legislative processes and constitutional rights to the functions of local governments and the electoral system. This comprehensive approach empowers students with a holistic understanding of the political landscape, preparing them not just for civic participation but also for leadership roles in governance, civil society and beyond.
“We believe that by fostering political literacy (Politeracy), we are laying the foundation for a more engaged, informed, and accountable electorate, one that will hold leaders to a higher standard and actively participate in shaping Nigeria’s future.
“While classroom learning is vital, we have long recognised that true understanding comes from experience. That is why we have made physical projects a central part of our programme.
These projects provide students with the opportunity to engage directly with the communities they seek to serve, addressing governance challenges through innovative, on-the-ground solutions.
“In this cohort, students tackled issues ranging from electoral transparency to improving voter turnout in areas where civic engagement is low,” he stated.
Lawal said the Board of the Electoral College Nigeria remains deeply committed to making political education accessible to every corner of the country. “We recognise the need to engage with Nigerians in ways that are culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate, which is why we are working to ensure that our programmes are available in local languages and tailored to the specific needs of different regions.
“By doing so, we aim to make Politeracy a national movement, one that reaches beyond the traditional centres of power and into every community.
“As Nigeria grapples with the complexities of governance, from electoral reform to citizen engagement, the Electoral College Nigeria stands ready to produce leaders and informed citizens necessary to guide the country toward a more accountable and democratic future,” he submitted