The 2025 cohort of the Legislative Internship Programme of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) concluded its 10-week engagement on Monday with a Model Legislative Assembly (MLA) session at the National Assembly. The initiative is organised by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) under the programme.
Over the past 9 weeks, 38 young Nigerians were deployed across various committees of the National Assembly, where they observed committee processes, supported legislative offices, engaged in policy issues, and witnessed firsthand the discipline and responsibility that lawmaking demands.
The MLA provided a platform to consolidate these experiences, allowing interns to step into the shoes of lawmakers by debating motions, following rules of order, and making collective decisions.
In her welcome address, Omolara Akinyeye, Deputy Executive Director at PLAC, highlighted the transformation of the interns:
“When they came for the interview, many got the answers wrong. But now, after 9 weeks, they have learnt so much. They have been immersed in the daily workings of the National Assembly.”
She emphasised that beyond procedure, the MLA was designed to instil respect for divergent views, evidence-based arguments, and the democratic values of participation, integrity, and compromise.
“We encourage you to engage fully, debate respectfully and approach this exercise with the seriousness it deserves because these are the same principles that underpin effective legislative practise and the real world, as you might have seen in the National Assembly and in other jurisdictions, even if you have not been there physically, you must have seen them on TV,” she said.
Motunrayo Akanfe Kataye, Assistant Clerk to the House Committee on Appropriation, praised the interns’ enthusiasm and intellectual engagement.
“Your debates, resolutions, and committee engagements exemplify the energy and promise of the next generation of leaders. Strong democracies are built not only in legislative chambers but also in the hearts and minds of inspired citizens.”
He urged participants to embrace the experience with courage, discipline, and accountability, noting that the National Assembly remains committed to fostering such opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the Interns, Paul Dimlong, from Plateau State and Speaker of the 2025 Model Legislative Assembly, described the journey as challenging but rewarding:
“Managing colleagues from across the country was not easy, but today we gave a wonderful performance. The submissions of young people here show that they are interested in politics and willing to reshape Nigeria into a better nation.”
“It is our prayer, all of us, for those who will later venture into politics, into technocrats, we are confident that we will work together, we will put our heads together, bring up ideas that will bring out Nigeria from every ill that may have been in the country.”
He expressed gratitude to PLAC, the EU, and partners for making the programme possible.
Other dignitaries also commended the interns. Benjamin Ekeyi, Legislative Policy Analyst, described the session as “a fantastic outing,” noting that the interns demonstrated hope for a better Nigeria.
To EU-SDGN, he said. “You do not know the amount of contribution you are making to the betterment of Nigeria, until these young men become members of the National Assembly someday, and you will see refined legislators, a legislature that we would be proud of everywhere.”
Similarly, John Odeh, spokesperson for the ICPC, lauded the programme’s initiative as a model worth replicating, affirming that young Nigerians will excel in governance.
