The 2026 PLAC Legislative Internship Programme (LIP) concluded with a Model Legislative Assembly (MLA), providing interns with an opportunity to put into practice the knowledge, skills and experience acquired throughout the Programme.
The Model Legislative Assembly brought together PLAC, National Assembly and development partners to celebrate the interns’ achievements while providing a practical simulation of legislative proceedings.
Preparing Young People for Leadership
Delivering the opening remarks, Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of PLAC, encouraged the interns to see the Model Legislative Assembly as a reflection of the leadership roles they are preparing to assume.
He urged them to build on the knowledge and experience gained throughout the Programme, emphasising that Nigeria’s democracy can only continue to improve when young people move beyond seeing themselves as the future and begin contributing meaningfully to change today.
Strengthening Practical Legislative Knowledge
In his goodwill message, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, commended PLAC and the European Union in Nigeria for equipping young people with practical knowledge of lawmaking, legislative oversight and representation through the Legislative Internship Programme.
He encouraged the interns to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the Programme towards advancing accountable and responsive governance.
Also delivering goodwill remarks, Laolu Olawunmi, Programme Manager at the European Union in Nigeria, encouraged the interns to build on the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the Programme.
She noted that the internship was designed not simply to produce future politicians, but to nurture informed citizens who understand governance and how to engage with it. She reminded the interns that although the Programme was coming to an end, the real test would be how they put what they had learned into practice.
Sustaining the Legislative Internship Programme
Delivering special remarks, Dr. Aliyu Umoru, Permanent Secretary, Research and Information, National Assembly, represented the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barr. Kamoru Ogunlana.
He commended PLAC for sustaining the Legislative Internship Programme as a platform for equipping young people with a practical understanding of legislative institutions and processes.
He congratulated the interns on completing the Programme and encouraged them to maintain the professional relationships and networks developed throughout their internship.
Interns Take the Legislative Floor
A major highlight of the event was the Mock Legislative Plenary Session, during which the interns assumed the roles of legislators and participated in simulated legislative proceedings.
The interns debated Bills, considered motions and engaged in parliamentary procedures, demonstrating their understanding of the legislative process and the practical lessons gained during the Programme.
Following the plenary session, the interns received observations and constructive feedback from a panel of reviewers, comprising a legislator and other legislative experts. The panel assessed their performances and provided practical insights into legislative procedure and practice.
The exercise provided the interns with a valuable opportunity to apply classroom and programme-based learning in a realistic legislative setting.
Celebrating the 2026 Cohort
The event also featured the presentation of certificates to the 2026 cohort of the PLAC Legislative Internship Programme, recognising the interns’ successful completion of the Programme.
The presentation marked an important milestone in the interns’ journey and celebrated their commitment to learning, civic engagement and understanding Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
Looking Beyond the Programme
The event concluded with closing remarks by Lara Akinyeye, Deputy Executive Director of PLAC, who congratulated the interns on the successful completion of the Programme.
She encouraged them to carry forward the knowledge, values and relationships developed throughout the internship and to continue applying their experiences towards meaningful civic and professional engagement.
The Model Legislative Assembly marked the culmination of the 2026 PLAC Legislative Internship Programme, while reinforcing the Programme’s broader goal of equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to understand and contribute to democratic governance.
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