Nigeria Needs Informed, Engaged Youth to Deepen Democracy, National Assembly Clerk Tells PLAC Interns
Pan Afric Reporters
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, has commended the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) for its sustained efforts in grooming the next generation of legislative professionals, describing its Legislative Internship Programme as one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for promoting democratic governance and parliamentary excellence.
Represented by Dr. Ali B. Umoru at the Model Legislative Assembly Session marking the conclusion of the 2026 PLAC Legislative Internship Programme, Ogunlana congratulated the interns on successfully completing the rigorous programme and urged them to remain committed to the ideals of democracy, integrity, and public service.
He said the internship had provided participants with a rare opportunity to move beyond classroom learning by gaining practical exposure to the workings of the National Assembly, including lawmaking, representation, oversight, committee proceedings, legislative drafting, research, and other parliamentary processes.
According to him, the experience has equipped the interns with the knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development.
“The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre Legislative Internship Programme has distinguished itself as one of Nigeria’s foremost initiatives for preparing young Nigerians for careers in legislative practice, public policy, governance and democratic leadership,” he said.
The Clerk praised PLAC for its unwavering commitment to strengthening democratic institutions through capacity building and for investing in young Nigerians with the potential to become future legislators, policy experts and public leaders.
He also acknowledged the leadership and members of the National Assembly, the management and staff of the legislature, mentors, facilitators and development partners for their roles in ensuring the success of the programme.
Addressing the graduating interns, Ogunlana urged them to see the completion of the internship not as the end of their learning journey but as the beginning of a lifelong commitment to service, excellence, accountability and democratic values.
He encouraged them to sustain the professional relationships established during the programme and continue building their knowledge and leadership capacity.
“The future of our democracy depends significantly on young people who are informed, engaged, innovative and committed to the principles of accountability, transparency and the rule of law,” he stated.
Ogunlana further urged the interns to approach the Model Legislative Assembly Session with seriousness and a sense of responsibility, noting that the exercise would test not only their understanding of legislative procedures but also their ability to debate constructively and work collaboratively for the common good.
Expressing confidence in the participants, he said the knowledge and experience acquired during the internship would position them for greater accomplishments in public service and national development.
He expressed optimism that many of the interns would return to the National Assembly in the future as distinguished legislators, parliamentary officers, policy experts and leaders dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
