The Federal Government has announced plans to significantly expand the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), with a target of deploying at least 20,000 young Nigerian graduates every year under future phases of the initiative.
The update was disclosed during an Employer and Fellow Engagement held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where programme officials highlighted the impact of the fellowship and outlined plans to strengthen graduate employability across Nigeria.
The programme, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President and funded by the European Union (EU), provides selected graduates with workplace experience while they receive a ₦150,000 monthly stipend for 12 months.
Read our complete guide on how to apply for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme here.
Programme Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) |
| Implementing Partner | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Funding Partner | European Union (EU) |
| Coordinating Office | Office of the Vice President |
| Current Phase | Phase Two |
| Planned Annual Deployment | At least 20,000 fellows |
| Current National Target | 23,724 graduates |
| Fellowship Duration | 12 Months |
| Monthly Support | ₦150,000 |
Government Says the Programme Is Closing the Experience Gap
Officials explained that one of the biggest barriers facing Nigerian graduates is not necessarily a lack of education but the inability to obtain practical work experience.
Many employers require previous industry experience for entry-level positions, leaving fresh graduates trapped in a cycle where they cannot get jobs because they have never worked.
The NJFP was established to bridge this gap by placing graduates in organisations where they can build professional experience while developing workplace skills.
Programme coordinators described the initiative as a workforce development strategy aimed at preparing young Nigerians for long-term careers rather than providing short-term financial assistance alone.
Thousands of Graduates Already Benefiting
The programme is currently in its second phase and aims to place 23,724 graduates across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to programme officials, significant investments have already been made in participating states.
In Nasarawa State alone:
- 423 fellows have already been placed with organisations.
- 185 additional fellows are awaiting placement.
- 86 organisations have been engaged under the programme.
- 64 organisations are currently hosting fellows.
- Approximately ₦344.66 million has already been paid as stipends to participants.
These figures illustrate the scale of the programme and its growing role in graduate workforce development.
Host Organisations Do Not Pay the Fellows’ Stipends
One unique feature of the programme is that participating organisations are not responsible for paying the fellows’ monthly stipends.
Instead, the ₦150,000 monthly support is funded through the programme, allowing organisations to benefit from skilled young professionals while providing fellows with practical workplace exposure.
Host organisations are expected to provide:
- Professional supervision
- Meaningful workplace assignments
- Mentorship
- Conducive working environments
- Monthly attendance certification
Alumni Talent Hub to Support Permanent Employment
Beyond the one-year fellowship, the programme has established an Alumni Talent Hub, a platform designed to connect employers with former fellows who have demonstrated strong performance during their placements.
The initiative is intended to improve long-term employment outcomes by giving organisations continued access to trained and experienced graduates.
Rather than ending after twelve months, participants may use the experience and professional network gained through the programme to secure permanent employment opportunities.
Plans Underway for Long-Term Sustainability
To ensure continuity, programme officials revealed that discussions are ongoing to establish a National Basket Fund, which would receive contributions from the Federal Government, development partners, and sub-national governments.
The proposed funding model is expected to strengthen future editions of the programme and support its planned expansion across the country.
With graduate unemployment remaining a major national challenge, the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is increasingly being positioned as a long-term investment in workforce development and economic growth.
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