INEC Embarks On Voter Education In Schools

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to encourage voter education in schools as part of a sensitisation programme ahead of 2015 general elections.

INEC National Commissioner, Dr. Chris Iyimoga told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin that already, the commission had begun sensitising schools nationwide to the importance of raising Voter Education Clubs.

He explained that the establishment of the clubs would serve as a bridge to reach communities in sustaining the nation’s democracy.

According to him, such clubs will also increase voter education activities, while ad hoc staff members, booth-level officers and volunteer corps will be developed.

Iyimoga stated that the commission was worried about increase in apathy and void votes in the 2011 general elections, saying lack of voter education might be responsible.

Also speaking, Kwara Resident Electoral Commissioner, Chief Timothy Ibitoye, said that INEC would organise a meeting on voter education for principals and students across the country as part of efforts to ensure efficiency and productivity in the electoral process.

Ibitoye said that the successful conduct of the last general elections had signalled a new dimension and had culminated in the satisfaction of the aspirations of Nigerians.

NAN reports that INEC officers from the North Central zone and members of staff of National Orientation Agency attended the meeting.