Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training (CEDDERT) is a well-known research institute in Zango Shanu, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The center moved to its permanent site in Zaria, in November 2009.

CEDDERT was established in March 1992 by a group of Northern Nigerian intellectuals and scholars, it was chaired by the late Dr. Yusufu Bala Usman. Since its inception, CEDDERT has been at the forefront of promoting scientific research and policy advocacy, to foster transparency and democratic development in Nigeria and beyond. 

Mission and Vision of CEDDERT

CEDDERT’S mission is to use research as a major tool for educating and influencing policymakers, with a focus on promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector. Through scientific inquiry and policy-related analysis, the institute seeks to offer solutions to the lingering challenges facing democratic development in Africa. Its scope spans Nigeria, West African States, and the African continent at large.

Organizational Structure of CEDDERT

CEDDERT operates under a well-defined governance structure, which a Board of Directors oversees. The organizational leadership is composed of three key bodies

1. Director

2. Management Committee

3. Heads of Departments

The current Director of CEDDERT is Prof.  Abubakar Siddique Mohammed a renowned Lecturer in the Department of Political Science ABU Zaria. With Muhammadu Mustapha Gwadabe as the Head of I.T, Abdulkadir  Adamu as Head of Admin and Library Science, and Massoud Umar as Head of Research. These committees are responsible for organizing and coordinating a network of researchers, many of whom are volunteers both from within Nigeria and Internationally. This group of diverse experts and scholars collaborates to generate insightful and evidence-based research to shape policy-making and decision-making in Nigeria and Africa at Large.

Objectives Of CEDDERT

CEDDERT was established with several core objectives these include;

1. Problem-Oriented Research

The institute is charged with the responsibility of conducting problem-oriented, and policy-relevant research on democratic development, security, advocacy, and sustainable growth.

2. Training and Capacity Building

It organizes training, workshops, seminars, and programs designed to equip individuals and organizations with the necessary tools needed to address developmental challenges in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

3. Advocacy for Self-Reliance

One of the Center’s principles is to promote self-reliance by focusing on building the capacity of communities and individuals to advocate for their rights, defend national unity, and promote human dignity.

4. International Collaboration

It seeks to partner and collaborate with institutions, organizations, and individuals both within and outside Nigeria to promote cross-border knowledge to address global development issues.

5. Research and Advocacy

Research conducted by CEDDERT is rooted in community and national development. The institute covers a wide range of topics which include governance, security, democratic rights, human dignity, and sustainable development. CEDDERT’s researchers contribute both to National and International discussions on developmental challenges and solutions.

Partnerships

The Center for Democratic Development, Research, and Training (CEDDERT) has established strategic partnerships with several prominent institutions, foundations, and local communities to promote the center’s mission.

Prominent among these collaborations is the ongoing partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, which aims at enhancing the understanding of the Almajiri educational system in Northern Nigeria. The partnership is expected to play a crucial role by shedding more light on the challenges and opportunities associated with the Almajiri educational system a traditional Islamic education that has long been a subject of discussion.

Through this collaboration, the organization seeks to foster meaningful dialogue, research, and policy recommendations that will improve the educational outcomes of Almajiri students and contribute to the overall development of Northern Nigeria.

In conclusion, Through its publications, programs, trainings and workshops, CEDDERT continues to dispense valuable insights that inform decision-making at both governmental and grassroots levels. CEDDERT’s establishment marked a significant turning point in the pursuit of evidence-based policy advocacy in Northern Nigeria and beyond.

The institute has remained dedicated to its founding aims and mission which is empowering citizens through education, building democratic institutions, and promoting human dignity which is the late Dr. Yusufu Bala Usman’s vision.