The Nigerian Federal Government has officially opened applications for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0, a bold initiative aimed at creating 20,000 job opportunities annually for young Nigerians. This program is designed to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and practical employment by equipping graduates with essential skills and real-world experience.
The announcement was made by Dada Olusegun, the President’s Special Assistant on Social Media, via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighting the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and economic inclusion.
Backed by a partnership between the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the NJFP 2.0 seeks to provide Nigerian youths with meaningful employment and capacity-building opportunities that foster sustainable development.
Insight: The Federal Government is emphasizing accurate labor market data and has initiated a comprehensive skills gap assessment to better align training with industry needs.
The core mission of NJFP 2.0 is to reduce the disconnect between theoretical education and job market demands by offering graduates hands-on training, mentorship, and work placements. This relaunch reflects a renewed governmental focus on empowering young people and driving inclusive economic growth nationwide.
Before the program’s official launch, Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the Project Steering Committee at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, signaling strong institutional support. During the event, the Vice President reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to investing $220 million in expanding job creation efforts across Nigeria.
Additional update: The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) recently deployed 39 skilled construction experts to Belarus for a knowledge exchange program, further emphasizing skills development.
Targeting Key Growth Sectors
Over the next ten months, the government plans to onboard 24,000 fellows, strategically placing them in sectors critical to Nigeria’s economic advancement. These include agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries.
This initiative directly addresses the chronic challenge of graduate unemployment by facilitating placements within host organizations nationwide, enabling participants to gain practical experience and develop competencies vital for thriving in today’s competitive job market.
The first NJFP cohort successfully supported over 14,000 young Nigerians through a year-long, paid fellowship, funded by the EU and implemented in collaboration with the UNDP.
- Graduates who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to submit their applications via the official website at www.njfp.ng.