Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Discusses Challenges Facing Lawmakers in Insightful Lecture at NSUK

By Roseline Okafor _ Nasarawa.

Nasarawa State University, Keffi, held its fifth public lecture with Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, Speaker of the House of Representatives, as the keynote speaker. His presentation was titled “Legislating Under Pressure: The Realities of Law Making in Nigeria”

The event took place at the University’s Assembly Hall, Main Campus, and attracted prominent figures from across the academic, political, and traditional institutions of Nigeria including, former INEC chairman prof. Attahiru Jega who is also chairman Governing council of the University.

The lecture was chaired by His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, who was represented by Dr. John D.W. Mamman, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology.

In his lecture, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas described the topic as both timely and urgent, touching on the evolving responsibilities of lawmakers in a complex federal democracy.

“It addresses the tensions and expectations that characterize the modern Nigerian legislature, where representation has come to mean much more than lawmaking.

According to him, the topic also captures the everyday frictions between democratic ideals and the practical needs of governance in a complex federal state.

He identified one of the key challenges facing Nigeria’s legislature since the return to civilian rule in 1999 as the difficulty of balancing the demands of lawmaking with the pressure of delivering services to constituents.

He called on the media to hold lawmakers accountable in a constructive and responsible manner, stressing the need for legislative independence.

“The media should also be accountable, but they should do so in a responsible manner. We must maintain our independence by doing the needful,” he said.

The Speaker concluded his lecture by offering a number of research-driven policy recommendations aimed at enhancing legislative effectiveness and public trust. These included improving legislative support services, promoting public participation in committee processes, and enhancing collaboration with anti-corruption bodies.

Former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akaro Mainoma, who is the chairman special lecture series, applauded the university for organizing what he described as a lecture of national importance.

“The public lecture is not just an ordinary lecture; it is an opportunity to breach the policy space and academic world and to shape academic excellence, urging all attendees to listen closely and reflect on the Speaker’s insights.

In his remarks, Dr. Mamman who represented Governor Abdullahi Sule, expressed appreciation for the Speaker’s presence and insightful presentation. He noted that the lecture provided valuable understanding of the legislative process and the complex challenges lawmakers face.

He conveyed the Governor’s commitment to the growth of the university.

Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, welcomed dignitaries including members of the National Assembly, the Emir, chancellors, pro-chancellors, and representatives of the state government.

She celebrated the milestone of hosting the fifth public lecture, describing it as a testament to the university’s ongoing intellectual engagement.

“Public Lecture was first presented in April 14 here in Nasarawa State University. And today by God’s grace, we’re witnessing the fifth public lecture. The topic of the lecture is apt and particularly relevant to our nation’s wellness and political landscape,” she said.

Prof. Liman emphasized the transformative potential of a proposed legislative center advocated by the Speaker. She explained that the initiative could drive economic growth, promote social change, and close the gap between the country’s education system and national development.

The event concluded with the presentation of an Award of Honour to Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas by the Executive Governor, represented by Dr. Mamman, the Vice Chancellor, and other esteemed dignitaries, in recognition of his unwavering commitment and service to the Nigerian people through legislative excellence.