Future Administrators Gain Firsthand INEC Experience

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Students of Public Administration from HarryPass Polytechnic, Mkar-Gboko, have embarked on an educational excursion to the Benue State Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to broaden their understanding of government institutions and Nigeria’s electoral system.

The students were received by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) alongside members of the Commission’s management team, who welcomed them and provided an overview of INEC’s mandate, organisational structure, and responsibilities in conducting elections across the country.
During the visit, officials from various departments of the Commission made presentations explaining their respective functions. The Electoral Party Monitoring Department outlined its role in supervising political party activities and ensuring compliance with electoral guidelines. The Electoral Operations Department provided insights into election planning and polling procedures, while the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department demonstrated the use of technology in voter registration, election administration, and data management.
The Voter Education and Publicity Department also sensitised the students on the importance of civic participation, encouraging those who had attained voting age to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) through the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
To further enrich the learning experience, the Public Affairs Officer of INEC Benue State, Mrs. Peace Ogoyi, said the students were taken on a guided tour of the state office, where they interacted with staff and gained firsthand knowledge of the Commission’s daily operations.
She disclosed that the excursion concluded at the voter registration centre within the office premises, where the students observed the registration process. According to her, some eligible students took advantage of the opportunity to register as voters during the visit.
The students expressed delight over the excursion, noting that the educational tour provided them with valuable exposure to Nigeria’s electoral process and enhanced their appreciation of INEC’s role in promoting democratic governance and credible elections.