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Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of the Plateau Emerging Leaders Fellowship (PELF 2.0), a six-month leadership development programme designed to nurture and equip young leaders across Plateau State with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to influence governance and drive sustainable community transformation.
Organised to identify and empower promising young changemakers, the fellowship is targeted at passionate individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to leadership, policy conversations, and grassroots development within their communities.
The Plateau Emerging Leaders Fellowship will select 34 outstanding young leaders, with two participants drawn from each of the 17 Local Government Areas in Plateau State. Through structured training, mentorship, policy exposure, and project execution, fellows will gain the practical tools required to become effective leaders in both public and community spheres.
About the Plateau Emerging Leaders Fellowship (PELF)
PELF is an intensive hybrid fellowship that combines leadership education with practical engagement. The programme is designed to prepare young Plateau indigenes for leadership roles by exposing them to governance systems, policy processes, and development-oriented strategies that can be applied directly within their local communities.
The fellowship places strong emphasis on ethical leadership, collaborative action, and measurable social impact. Participants will be guided to design and implement projects that address pressing challenges in Plateau State while developing their own leadership capacity.
What Fellows Will Gain
Selected fellows will benefit from a range of opportunities aimed at building long-term leadership impact, including:
- Practical leadership and policy engagement skills
- Access to mentorship from experienced leaders and development professionals
- Opportunities to design and execute high-impact community projects
- Strong networks with fellow emerging leaders and changemakers
- Deeper understanding of governance and policy advocacy processes
- Capacity-building tools for sustainable development initiatives
Fellowship Components
The six-month programme includes several carefully designed learning modules and experiences:
Leadership Training and Development
Participants will undergo structured sessions focused on personal growth, strategic leadership, and effective decision-making.
Mentorship and Networking
Fellows will connect with policymakers, experienced professionals, and influential mentors across sectors.
Policy Advocacy and Governance Training
This component introduces participants to governance systems and equips them with practical advocacy skills.
Community-Based Project Implementation
Each fellow will develop and implement projects that address local development challenges in their communities.
Structured Learning Visits
Participants will engage in visits to institutions and initiatives driving innovation and development.
Leadership Bootcamp
An intensive bootcamp experience will provide immersive training in leadership practice and teamwork.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be between 20 and 35 years old
- Must be an indigene of Plateau State
- Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or currently be enrolled in a tertiary institution
- Must demonstrate leadership potential or active community involvement
- Must show interest in governance, policy advocacy, and sustainable development
- Must be passionate about creating measurable community impact
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is April 27, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official application link below.
The Plateau Emerging Leaders Fellowship is more than a training programme. It is a platform for shaping the next generation of leaders committed to transforming Plateau State through service, innovation, and inclusive leadership.
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