The 2024 PLAC Legislative Internship Programme (LIP), featuring the 10th cohort of the programme has commenced with 39 young persons selected through a rigorous process from various States across Nigeria. The programme is supported by the European Union in Nigeria under its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) project. The EU has been supporting the PLAC LIP since 2018.
The 2024 LIP started off with a welcome lunch for the interns on October 7, 2024 in Abuja, where they shared their expectations for the programme. A two-day intensive orientation programme followed, on October 8 and 9, 2024, during which various experts spoke to the interns on a plethora of legislative issues ahead of their deployment to the National Assembly. The interns went on to have a tour of the National Assembly on Friday, October 11.
At the orientation, PLAC Executive Director, Clement Nwankwo delivered the welcome remarks and the Ambassador of the European Union in Nigeria represented by the Programme Manager, Governance, Democracy and Rule of Law, Laolu Olawunmi gave goodwill remarks. She underscored the EU’s belief in the potential of young people, who play a vital role in fostering democracy and nation building, urging the interns to remain actively involved in governance to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. Other speakers at the event include PLAC Board Chairman, Prof. Nuhu Yaqub; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara; PLAC Board Member, Kate Henshaw; Professor of Governance and Legislative Studies and former Member of the House of Representatives, Prof. Jerry Ugokwe; former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkem Abonta, among others. The interns also got an opportunity to interact with former interns who shared their experiences, including the challenges they faced and how they overcame them.
The 10-week long programme will see interns gaining more knowledge and practical experience of legislative business in their assigned Committees in the Senate and House of Representatives.