The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 has recorded 17,626 successful applicants as of April 1, 2026, as efforts to tackle youth unemployment continue to gather pace.
The programme, backed by the Federal Government, the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is designed to help young Nigerian graduates gain work experience and transition into full employment.
According to figures released by the programme, 11,356 applicants are currently in the NJFP talent pool and ready for placement, while 6,270 fellows have already been deployed to organisations across the country.
The initiative places selected graduates in private and public sector organisations for a period of one year, where they receive practical, on-the-job training.
Each fellow is paid a monthly stipend of N150,000, alongside mentorship and structured learning designed to improve their employability.
The programme was introduced to address a major gap in the labour market, where many graduates struggle to secure jobs due to lack of work experience, despite having academic qualifications.
Officials say the scheme is helping to bridge that gap by connecting employers with trained, work-ready young Nigerians.
With the rollout of NJFP 2.0, the government is expanding the programme to accommodate more participants and increase nationwide placements.
The new phase is expected to create thousands of additional opportunities annually, with a stronger focus on digital skills, innovation and workforce readiness.
Stakeholders believe the steady rise in applications shows growing interest among young Nigerians seeking career opportunities and practical experience.
The programme also allows organisations to apply as host employers, giving them access to a pool of trained fellows without the burden of full employment costs.
As placements continue across sectors, the NJFP is positioning itself as one of the key interventions aimed at reducing unemployment and building a more skilled workforce in Nigeria.
