Over 16,000 young Nigerians have applied for the 2026/2027 Fellowship Programme of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA), marking the highest number of applications the Academy has received since it was established.
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The record application figure highlights the increasing interest among Nigerian youths in leadership development, governance, and public service, as more young professionals seek opportunities to contribute to national growth and institutional transformation.
LJLA said the milestone further strengthens its mission of raising a new generation of transformational leaders equipped with the skills, values, and capacity needed to drive sustainable development across Nigeria.
Over the years, the Academy has attracted applicants from different sectors and professional backgrounds, including technology, education, law, media, entrepreneurship, policy, healthcare, and civic engagement. According to the Academy, many of the applicants are driven by a shared commitment to nation-building and public impact.
Speaking on the turnout, the Executive Secretary of LJLA, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, described the overwhelming response as a reflection of the leadership potential that exists within Nigeria’s youth population.
“We are inspired by the overwhelming response from young Nigerians across the country. The volume and quality of applications received over the years continue to reaffirm our belief that Nigeria is filled with visionary, passionate, and solution-driven young people who are eager to serve and lead with purpose,” she said.
She noted that the increasing number of applicants also shows that more young Nigerians are becoming interested in governance, leadership, and policy-driven change despite the challenges facing the country.
The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy was created to identify, groom, and empower future leaders who possess the competence, courage, and character needed to shape governance and public administration in Nigeria.
As part of the fellowship process, shortlisted candidates will proceed through several stages of assessment designed to evaluate leadership capacity, critical thinking, policy awareness, and commitment to public service.
The Academy said the continued growth in applications reflects its rising reputation as one of the leading leadership development platforms for young Nigerians seeking to make meaningful contributions in both the public and private sectors.
With over 16,000 applications already received for the latest fellowship cycle, LJLA’s 2026/2027 programme is expected to be its most competitive selection process so far, as thousands of young Nigerians compete for an opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain practical governance experience.
