PLAC begins training for 40 legislative interns in Abuja

The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), with support from the European Union (EU), has commenced a legislative internship programme for 40 young Nigerians selected from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Speaking during an orientation workshop for the interns in Abuja on Monday, PLAC Executive Director, Dr Clement Nwankwo, said the 10-week full-time internship programme was designed to provide participants with practical knowledge of legislative practice and processes at the National Assembly. He said the interns, selected from more than 3,000 applicants through a rigorous recruitment process, would be attached to lawmakers and various committees of the National Assembly to gain firsthand experience in legislative procedures, policy analysis and governance. Nwankwo urged the participants to remain humble, respectful and open to learning as they understudy legislative processes and activities. In a goodwill message, the Programme Manager for Democracy and Rule of Law at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Laolu Olawumi, congratulated the interns for emerging successfully from what she described as a highly competitive and merit-based selection process. According to her, the European Union’s support for the programme is rooted in its belief that democracy thrives when young people actively participate in governance rather than remain spectators. She said young Nigerians represent the country’s greatest asset and stressed the importance of investing in their development through initiatives that promote civic engagement and democratic participation. Olawumi encouraged the interns to learn relentlessly, contribute confidently, build professional networks and think beyond the duration of the internship. “Do not take this opportunity for granted. Learn, contribute boldly, ask questions, engage and build networks that will be useful throughout your careers,” she said. Also speaking, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, represented by Vivien Njemanze, described the internship as a valuable opportunity for young Nigerians to gain practical exposure to governance and parliamentary democracy. He noted that the National Assembly occupies a central place in Nigeria’s constitutional democracy through its lawmaking, oversight and representation functions. Ogunlana urged the interns to demonstrate discipline, punctuality, professionalism and integrity throughout the programme, stressing the importance of confidentiality and neutrality in handling legislative information. “You may come across sensitive legislative documents and official information. Such privilege demands a high sense of responsibility and ethical conduct,” he said. He encouraged the interns to learn from legislators, committee clerks and other parliamentary officials, adding that attitude and character remain critical factors for success in public service. The Clerk assured the participants of the National Assembly management’s commitment to providing the necessary support for a rewarding internship experience. The legislative internship programme is one of PLAC’s initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic governance and building the capacity of young Nigerians to engage meaningfully in the legislative process.