The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation has opened applications for the Obafemi Awolowo Future Leaders Fellowship Programme, a merit-based leadership initiative designed to develop a new generation of ethical, visionary and impact-driven leaders across Africa, the Caribbean and the global diaspora.
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The Foundation announced the commencement of applications in a statement issued on Sunday, describing the Fellowship as a highly selective programme inspired by the leadership legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, SAN (1909–1987).
According to the Foundation, the programme is part of its broader commitment to moving beyond celebrating history and actively investing in the future through leadership development.
“The Fellowship reflects our commitment to moving from celebrating history to shaping the future,” the Foundation said, noting that the initiative seeks to nurture leaders who are guided by ethics, vision and a strong commitment to societal progress.
The programme is open to young people aged between 20 and 35 years and is designed to equip participants with the values, discipline, knowledge and leadership skills needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities and society at large.
The Foundation said the Fellowship draws inspiration from Chief Awolowo’s lifelong dedication to principled governance, social justice and human development through education. The initiative was first unveiled during the 2026 Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Lecture held on March 6.
Explaining the rationale behind the programme, the Foundation noted that many young Africans continue to face significant economic challenges and social inequalities despite possessing exceptional talent, creativity and global exposure.
“Young people across Africa today face economic uncertainty and deep social inequalities, yet remain extraordinarily talented, innovative and globally connected. What many require is structured support, mentorship and a values-based leadership framework capable of translating potential into transformational impact,” the statement said.
The Foundation added that the Fellowship was created to bridge this gap by connecting the leadership ideals of Chief Awolowo with present-day realities in governance, public service, entrepreneurship and social development.
It stated that the programme aims to build a strong pan-African network of future leaders who embody integrity, excellence and service while fostering a growing alumni community capable of creating long-term impact across sectors and regions.
Selected Fellows will participate in a structured leadership development experience that includes mentorship, personal effectiveness training, collaborative learning, practical problem-solving exercises and leadership sessions focused on addressing real societal challenges.
The inaugural edition of the Fellowship is scheduled to begin on October 4, 2026, and will run for eight weeks. Sessions will be held virtually every Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Nigeria time.
Admission into the programme is strictly merit-based. As part of the application process, candidates will be required to submit a personal statement and provide two referees for assessment.
Interested applicants can submit their applications through the Foundation’s portal at https://oaflf.obafemiawolowofoundation.com/.
Applications will close on August 31, 2026.
The Foundation encouraged prospective applicants seeking additional information to contact the Programme Coordinator via email at oaflf@awolowofoundation.org or awolowofoundation@yahoo.com.
