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The Youth Leadership Development Programme (YLDP) 2026 is now open for applications, offering young Nigerians a structured pathway to develop leadership capacity, civic responsibility, and practical solutions for community challenges. Designed by LEAP Africa in collaboration with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, the programme targets undergraduates who are ready to move beyond theory and take active roles in shaping society.
Across Nigeria, many young people are eager to lead and contribute to national development. However, gaps remain in access to mentorship, practical knowledge, and structured opportunities. The YLDP addresses this by equipping participants with the tools, networks, and exposure required to drive sustainable impact.
Programme Overview
The YLDP is a multi-dimensional learning experience built on three core pillars: leadership, active citizenship, and community or sustainable development. Participants will engage in self-paced virtual courses, mentorship sessions with experienced social innovators, and collaborative activities designed to strengthen their problem-solving abilities.
In addition, the programme includes inter-school debates on national issues, virtual learning sessions, and the opportunity to design and implement real-life community projects. Through these activities, participants are expected to develop both personal leadership capacity and a deeper understanding of societal challenges.
Programme Tracks
Participants in the YLDP will choose between two specialised tracks, each tailored to different approaches to national development.
Sustainability Track – Hearts and Hands for Change
This track focuses on community-based solutions. Participants work in teams of 5 to 10 individuals from the same institution to design and implement projects aligned with national development priorities.
Teams will gain practical knowledge in stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and project execution. Selected teams may receive grants of up to ₦350,000 to implement their initiatives, ensuring that ideas are translated into measurable impact within communities.
Advocacy Track – Youth Leadership Debates
The advocacy track is centred on policy engagement and public discourse. Participants form teams of three to compete in a national debate competition focused on pressing issues affecting Nigeria.
The initiative aims to strengthen critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to advocate from an informed perspective. Top-performing teams can win up to ₦2,500,000 and are required to channel part of their winnings into advocacy-driven community projects.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be an undergraduate in a recognised Nigerian tertiary institution
- Be available for the full five-month duration of the programme
- Commit to at least 85 percent participation
- Have access to a mobile device or computer and stable internet
- Provide proof of studentship (ID card or course registration)
- Be willing to travel if required during the programme
- Complete all compulsory virtual courses before proceeding to track selection
Programme Benefits
Participants in the YLDP will gain access to structured learning, mentorship, and funding opportunities that support real-world impact. The programme also fosters peer-to-peer collaboration, helping young Nigerians build networks that extend beyond the programme duration.
By the end of the programme, participants are expected to emerge as active contributors to national development, equipped with both the mindset and the practical experience required to address societal challenges.
Application Details
Applications for the Youth Leadership Development Programme (YLDP) 2026 are currently open.
Application Deadline: 1 May 2026
Interested candidates can apply online through the official portal.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure all required information is submitted before the deadline.
