The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially opened applications for the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0), a 12-month paid internship designed to equip fresh graduates with practical work experience and enhance their employability.
According to the official announcement, successful applicants will earn a monthly stipend of N150,000, as part of the government’s broader youth empowerment and job creation drive.
The initiative, first launched in 2021 in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU).
It targets to bridge the skills gap among young Nigerians and address the country’s rising youth unemployment rate, which stood at 8.6% in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
What Does NJFP Mean?
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is a federal initiative created to connect young graduates with organizations that can offer hands-on work experience, mentorship, and professional development.
NJFP was conceived as a post-pandemic response to Nigeria’s growing unemployment crisis, which left millions of graduates without access to structured work opportunities.
Implemented through a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the UNDP, and other development partners, the program aims to serve as a bridge between education and employment.
In its first phase, the NJFP reportedly placed over 20,000 fellows in public and private institutions across Nigeria’s 36 states, helping to foster a culture of skill acquisition and industry readiness among graduates.
What Benefits Does NJFP Promise to Offer?
Beyond the N150,000 monthly stipend, the NJFP offers a comprehensive professional experience designed to prepare participants for Nigeria’s evolving job market.
Fellows are placed in various sectors, ranging from technology, finance, and media to public administration, where they gain critical exposure to workplace dynamics and innovation-driven environments.
The program also includes mentorship opportunities, leadership training, and access to a professional network that could lead to permanent employment.
Eligibility and Criteria
To qualify, applicants must be Nigerian citizens aged 30 years or below who graduated no earlier than 2022 with either a Bachelor’s degree (minimum Second Class Lower) or Higher National Diploma (HND) with at least an Upper Credit.
They must also be currently unemployed and have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or possess an exemption certificate.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong communication skills, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to professional development.
According to the NJFP Secretariat, the selection process will be merit-based, focusing on academic performance, digital literacy, and demonstrated passion for national development.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are required to submit their applications through the NJFP official portal.
The process involves creating an online profile, uploading relevant academic and NYSC documents, and completing a short professional aptitude assessment.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid server congestion and ensure timely consideration. Shortlisted fellows will undergo verification and matching with partner organizations across both the public and private sectors.
Why This Matters
Nigeria’s youth unemployment challenge remains one of the most pressing socio-economic issues in sub-Saharan Africa.
Despite being Africa’s largest economy, the country’s youth unemployment rate has hovered between 33% and 42% over the past five years, according to NBS and World Bank estimates.
Initiatives like NJFP aim to mitigate this by creating structured pathways to employment and skill development.
Economists suggest that if sustained and expanded, such initiatives could contribute significantly to reducing Nigeria’s job deficit, which stands at about 25 million jobs, and enhance productivity across emerging industries.
By combining government support with private sector collaboration, the NJFP symbolizes a strategic move toward fostering a future-ready workforce, one capable of driving innovation, stability, and inclusive growth in Africa’s most populous nation.
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