The third bi-weekly meeting of the 2026 Legislative Internship Programme (LIP) organised by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) brought together interns for a day of insightful discussions, practical learning and professional development.

The meeting opened with welcome remarks by Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of PLAC, who welcomed the interns and set the tone for the day’s sessions. He encouraged participants to engage actively and make the most of the learning opportunities provided throughout the programme.

Strengthening Democracy in Challenging Times

A key session featured Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, who spoke on the topic, “Strengthening Democracy in Challenging Times.”

The session provided interns with insights into Nigeria’s democratic journey, the challenges confronting democratic institutions and the importance of strengthening democratic values and practices. The presentation concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing interns to engage directly with the former Speaker on issues raised during the discussion.

Building a Reputation for Excellence

The programme also featured a professional development session led by Anuli Aniebo, Executive Director of Heir Woman, on “Building a Reputation for Excellence: Habits and Soft Skills that Shape Professional Success.”

The session focused on the habits, attitudes and interpersonal skills that contribute to professional growth and long-term success. Interns explored the importance of professionalism, effective communication, consistency, accountability and developing a strong reputation in the workplace.

The Making of a Bill

The legislative component of the meeting was led by Dr. Mohammed Amali, Senior Research Fellow at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), who facilitated a practical session on “The Making of a Bill.”

Dr. Amali took participants through the practical process of legislative drafting, providing interns with a deeper understanding of how Bills are developed and the various considerations involved in taking legislative proposals from conception through the legislative process.

The third bi-weekly meeting further strengthened the interns’ understanding of democracy, legislative practice and professional development, equipping them with practical knowledge and perspectives to enhance their experience throughout the 2026 PLAC Legislative Internship Programme.