The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), a flagship initiative of the Federal Government, recently hosted a one-day stakeholders’ forum in Benin City to promote youth employability and empowerment in the South-South region.
The event, which took place at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, gathered participants from various sectors including host organisations, current fellows, and alumni from across Edo State. The forum was designed to strengthen collaboration, provide clarity on programme processes, and highlight success stories of fellows who have transitioned into full-time roles or started their own ventures.
The NJFP is co-funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It seeks to tackle Nigeria’s high youth unemployment rate by connecting young graduates with host organisations across the country. The initiative equips fellows with skills, mentorship, and work experience aimed at fostering long-term employability and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the forum, Emmanuel Ojuederhie, the NJFP’s South-South regional focal point, explained that the initiative is targeted at reducing joblessness among young people. “The programme is designed to depopulate the labour market in Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that fellows benefit from a monthly stipend for 12 months, with no financial burden placed on host organisations. According to him, the programme not only offers financial support but also provides training and mentorship to strengthen capacity and enhance employability. He stressed that the fellows’ engagement must be “effective and rewarding to serve the purpose of the programme.”
Success stories from fellows and alumni were presented during the forum, showcasing how participants have advanced their careers after the programme. Some have secured full-time employment while others have successfully launched entrepreneurial ventures. Current fellows also shared their personal journeys and the impact the initiative has had on their professional growth.
Hanson Johnson, chief executive of Start Innovation Hub, a talent management company that partners with the UNDP for regional support, highlighted the importance of the forum in addressing youth unemployment. He described the NJFP as “a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s youth unemployment challenge by providing young graduates with valuable work experience and mentorship in various sectors.”
The forum also created space for open dialogue. Representatives from host organisations, alongside fellows, engaged in discussions aimed at clarifying programme processes. Many described the event as rewarding and expressed appreciation to the organisers for creating a platform for learning and collaboration.
During the interactive session, participants sought clarifications on operational details, helping both fellows and organisations gain a better understanding of how the initiative functions.
The forum ended with a call to action, encouraging organisations to join hands with the NJFP in building a sustainable future for young Nigerians. Organisers emphasised that the programme is not only about providing temporary opportunities but also about strengthening the country’s economy through youth empowerment.
The NJFP has also made significant strides in creating linkages with broader national initiatives. As of May last year, the programme successfully placed 3,000 fellows into the 3 Million Tech Talent programme (3MTT) under the supervision of the Office of the Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (MoCIDE), in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
These fellows, drawn from different parts of the country, embarked on a 12-month placement within host organisations across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Through physical, virtual, and hybrid work arrangements, the fellows are gaining valuable workplace exposure while contributing to the growth of their respective organisations.
Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Nigeria resident representative, described the programme as a crucial platform for advancing youth empowerment and economic growth. “The Nigeria Jubilee Fellowship Programme serves as a conduit for empowering our youth and fostering economic growth across all regions of Nigeria,” she said.
She added that by providing access to top-tier talent, the NJFP helps drive innovation and supports sustainable development efforts nationwide.
European Union Ambassador Samuela Isopi also stressed the EU’s commitment to youth employment. “Creating pathways for young graduates to enter the job market is vital for sustainable economic development,” she said.
She further noted that through the EU-Nigeria partnership, initiatives such as the NJFP continue to equip young Nigerians with relevant skills and opportunities. “Through the EU-Nigeria partnership, we are proud to support initiatives like the NJFP, which equip young Nigerians with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s digital economy,” Isopi stated.