In a major step toward curbing unemployment and empowering the younger generation, the Federal Government of Nigeria has rolled out an ambitious initiative tagged the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) — a 12-month internship offering Nigerian youths valuable work experience and a ₦150,000 monthly stipend. The programme, anchored under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to strengthen youth employability, foster innovation, and promote inclusive national growth.
Announcing to legit.ng the launch in Abuja, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadeja, described the initiative as a cornerstone of the government’s broader plan to tackle unemployment and equip young graduates with market-ready skills. He explained that the Hope for Nigeria’s Youth through this internship scheme represents a deliberate investment in human capital development, enabling participants to gain real-world exposure in reputable private and public institutions.
The official launch of the 12-month internship is slated for Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre, with Vice President Kashim Shettima presiding over the ceremony. Each participant, referred to as a fellow, will receive a monthly stipend of ₦150,000 throughout the one-year duration. The interns will be strategically placed in diverse organizations across various sectors to ensure balanced exposure to mentorship, technical training, and professional growth.
According to Hadeja, the Hope for Nigeria’s Youth project is a direct response to the economic challenges that intensified after the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the surge in youth unemployment. By bridging the skills gap between academic learning and industry requirements, the government aims to strengthen the country’s workforce capacity and prepare Nigerian graduates for future leadership roles.
“This initiative not only empowers young people but also improves Nigeria’s overall workforce productivity and competitiveness,” Hadeja emphasized.
Global Partners Support the Internship Initiative
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is being executed in partnership with two of Nigeria’s strongest development allies — the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Both organizations have pledged strong financial and technical backing to ensure the scheme’s success.
According to reports, the EU has committed €44 million (approximately ₦70 billion) to fund the programme’s rollout and support participating institutions. Meanwhile, the UNDP has expressed optimism that this collaboration will enhance institutional development and expand job creation opportunities across Nigeria.
The partnership reflects a growing confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment and fostering sustainable growth through capacity building.
A Pathway to Sustainable Careers and Entrepreneurship
Beyond the immediate goal of providing temporary employment, the Hope for Nigeria’s Youth internship programme aims to create a ripple effect that leads to long-term career advancement and entrepreneurship. Participating organizations are expected to benefit from access to a pool of energetic, skilled, and motivated young professionals — thereby reducing recruitment costs while improving overall productivity.
For the fellows, the one-year paid internship could serve as a stepping stone to full-time employment, business startups, or further professional development. “At the end of the programme, some organizations may choose to retain fellows permanently, while others might become employers themselves by launching innovative ventures,” Hadeja added.
A Beacon of Renewed Hope for Nigerian Youths
With the combined efforts of the Federal Government, European Union, and UNDP, the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme stands as a symbol of hope and progress. It reaffirms the government’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian youths are not left behind in the nation’s economic transformation journey.
This bold step toward tackling unemployment complements other federal empowerment schemes such as the recent ₦50,000 small business grant, designed to help entrepreneurs scale their ventures and contribute to economic growth.
Indeed, the Hope for Nigeria’s Youth initiative represents more than just a job placement programme — it is a transformative bridge connecting education to employment, dreams to opportunities, and potential to productivity.