The Athena-Anchoria Junior Fellowship Programme (2026 Cohort) application is now open, a six-month initiative designed to prepare young Nigerians for meaningful engagement in public policy and governance. The programme is hosted by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership in partnership with Anchoria Advisory and will run from April to October 2026. The cohort will consist of 12 fellows selected from across Nigeria.
The Athena–Anchoria Junior Fellowship is a selective, research-focused programme aimed at developing analytically rigorous and ethically grounded young Nigerians. It combines structured policy training with supervised research practice and practical financial literacy. Fellows will engage directly with real policy work within the Athena ecosystem while receiving mentorship and professional guidance.
The fellowship includes policy and institutional analysis seminars, supervised research placements within the Athena policy ecosystem, and structured writing and editorial mentorship. Participants will also attend a short residential immersion programme in Abuja.
In addition, fellows will complete an applied financial literacy and investment module delivered by Anchoria Advisory. The programme concludes with a team-based capstone policy project where fellows collaborate to address key public policy challenges.
Eligibility for the fellowship is open to penultimate and final-year undergraduate students, master’s degree students, and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from accredited Nigerian and foreign institutions. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong analytical ability, intellectual discipline, and a genuine commitment to public service.
The application process requires candidates to complete the online application form and submit a policy analysis writing sample. Shortlisted applicants will also participate in a virtual interview as part of the selection process.
The deadline for applications is 23 March 2026. To Apply for Athena-Anchoria Junior Fellowship Programme, interested applicants should visit https://forms.gle/2bypoKfSKhjiLwEQA.
