Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kwara state has embarked on voter education among secondary schools in the state with aim of building future ad-hoc staff of the commission
Speaking at the final of quiz competition organized by the commission among Voter Education Clubs in the state’s secondary schools, the INEC administrative Secretary, Mr Paul Atser, said that the efforts is also capable of producing future Booth-Level Officers and Volunteer Corps that would manage Nigeria’s electoral process.
The INEC boss said that the quiz competition was part of the commission’s efforts at ensuring efficiency in election management through adequate voter education.
Atser, who was represented by Dr. Sidiq Darga, HOD, General Administration and Procurement said it was aimed at sensitizing school community on importance of voter education club in schools.
The Administrative Secretary described the competition as one of the ways to achieve one of the cardinal objectives of voter education to use schools as bridges to reach communities.
“For a successful free and fair election, there is the need for adequate enlightenment of the people from time to time.
“Therefore, I want the contestants to know that this quiz competition is intended to test their knowledge about the electoral process.
“As voter education club members, you need to be well informed about democratic principles and ideas so as to be able to enlighten and sensitize your parents and people living around you about the electoral processes”, he said.
Atser told the students that the competition was also aimed at reminding them of what other things they need to know about democratic ideas in order to prepare them for future challenges.
Atser also said that the club was to establish a good relationship with INEC and school authorities as partners in Nigeria’s democratization process.
Government Secondary School (GSS), Ilorin emerged victorious in the quiz competition as it defeated seven other schools from 15 local government areas to emerged first, while Community Secondary School, Ganmo came second and Ansarul Islam Secondary School, Ogidi came third.
Each of the three schools went home with a trophy each and cash gifts.
