The Federal Government is set to launch a 12-month paid fellowship programme under the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), designed to provide unemployed graduates across the country with practical work experience and professional development opportunities.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the official launch, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadeja, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises tackling youth unemployment and boosting national productivity.
The official unveiling of the programme is scheduled for Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre, with Vice President Kashim Shettima expected to preside over the ceremony.
Hadeja explained that the fellowship would run for one year, offering participants a monthly stipend of ₦150,000 while placing them in meaningful work experiences across public and private sector organisations.
“The 12-month paid fellowship offers graduates the chance to gain practical experience and develop essential skills that will enhance their employability. It’s also part of efforts to cushion the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
The NJFP is being implemented in collaboration with international partners, including the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to the EU’s Head of Operations, the bloc has committed €44 million to support the programme’s rollout, while the UNDP expressed optimism about the growing partnership aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s institutional and economic frameworks.
Hadeja noted that the initiative benefits both participants and host organisations. Employers gain access to skilled talent at reduced recruitment costs, while fellows acquire valuable hands-on experience that can lead to permanent employment, entrepreneurship, or other career paths.