The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) is a flagship paid graduate fellowship programme designed to connect Nigeria’s young talent with meaningful career opportunities across the public and private sectors. Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the European Union (EU), the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is a Federal Government of Nigeria initiative created to tackle graduate unemployment by bridging the gap between education and employment.
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme supports fresh Nigerian graduates as they navigate increasingly complex labour markets by offering structured work placements, professional development, mentorship, and post-fellowship career support. Through partnerships with Host Organizations across Nigeria, the programme enables graduates to gain practical work experience, build market-relevant skills, and position themselves for long-term employment and career growth.
What Is the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP)?
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) exists to support Nigerian graduates as they transition from academic life into the world of work. The programme serves as a national talent-matching platform, connecting qualified graduates with employment opportunities in public and private sector organizations operating across Nigeria.
Unemployment and underemployment remain major challenges for young Nigerians, even among university and HND graduates. The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme addresses this issue by:
- Aligning graduate skills with labour market needs
- Reducing structural barriers faced by employers
- Supporting workforce readiness and employability
- Strengthening Nigeria’s talent and youth employability ecosystem
By combining data-driven talent intelligence, structured work placements, and ongoing mentorship, the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme aims to build a future-ready workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
About the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP)
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is a Federal Government of Nigeria initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The programme focuses on job placement, skills development, and career readiness, ensuring that Nigerian graduates are not only employed but also equipped with the competencies required to thrive in today’s evolving labour market.
Core Objectives of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is uniquely positioned to:
- Empower young professionals by aligning their skills with labour market needs through data-driven talent intelligence
- Address structural barriers faced by employers when recruiting young talent
- Drive coordination among stakeholders to create a sustainable youth employability ecosystem
- Support Nigeria’s long-term economic growth through human capital development
Programme Structure: The Journey of a Nigeria Jubilee Fellow
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme follows a structured, multi-stage journey that ensures transparency, fairness, and effective talent matching.
1. Application Stage
Eligible Nigerian graduates who have completed their mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year apply to become Fellows through the official NJFP portal. Applicants are required to submit all necessary documentation for verification.
2. Assessment and Selection
After successful documentation review, applicants proceed through a series of assessments, which include:
- A computer-based aptitude test
- A video submission
- A psychometric assessment
These assessments help evaluate candidates’ competencies, professional readiness, and alignment with labour market needs.
3. Onboarding and Talent Pool Placement
Candidates who successfully complete the assessments are onboarded into the NJFP applicant pool, where they:
- Build and refine their CVs
- Indicate career interests and development goals
- Await matching with a suitable Host Organization
Placement is determined by matching a Host Organization’s talent requirements with the Fellow’s skills, interests, and development needs within a defined geographic catchment area.
4. Work Placement and Fellowship
Once a match is made, onboarding with the Host Organization begins. Upon resumption at the Host Organization, the applicant officially becomes a Nigeria Jubilee Fellow and begins a 12-month paid fellowship.
5. Mentorship and Professional Growth
During the fellowship period, Fellows benefit from:
- Hands-on professional experience
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Exposure to real-world organizational challenges
6. Alumni Talent Hub
After completing the 12-month fellowship, Fellows who are not retained by their Host Organization or who do not secure other employment are offboarded into the Alumni Talent Hub. Alumni receive:
- Career guidance
- Employment support
- Professional development assistance
This support is provided for an additional six (6) months, unpaid.
Programme Highlights of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme
- Paid 12-month fellowship for Nigerian graduates
- Placement in public and private sector organizations
- Structured recruitment and matching process
- Mentorship and professional development
- Post-fellowship career support through the Alumni Talent Hub
- Nationwide programme with opportunities across Nigeria
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme?
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme has clearly defined eligibility criteria for both Fellows and Host Organizations.
Eligibility Criteria for Fellows
To apply as a Nigeria Jubilee Fellow, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
Nationality
- Must be a Nigerian citizen
Educational Qualification
- Must be a fresh graduate
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) from any discipline
- Must have graduated not earlier than 2022
Academic Standing
- Bachelor’s degree holders: minimum Second-Class Lower (2.2)
- HND holders: minimum Upper Credit (CGPA above 3.00)
Age Requirement
- Must be 30 years old or younger
Employment Status
- Must not be currently employed
NYSC Status
- Must have completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
OR - Possess a valid NYSC Exemption Certificate
Career Commitment
- Demonstrate interest and commitment to their chosen career field
Development Commitment
- Show commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development
Professional Attributes
- Excellent time management skills
- Professional attitude
- Good verbal and written communication skills
Required Documentation for Fellows
Applicants must upload:
- Notarized Degree Certificate
- NYSC Certificate or NYSC Exemption Certificate
Eligibility Criteria for Host Organizations
Organizations seeking to host Nigeria Jubilee Fellows must meet the following requirements:
Regulatory Compliance
- Possess valid CAC Certificate of Registration
- Have a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Role Requirements
- Provide clear descriptions of available fellowship roles
Mentorship Commitment
- Agree to provide mentorship through dedicated sessions with experienced professionals
Programme Compliance
- Agree to abide by all NJFP guidelines
- Sign a code of conduct
Non-Discrimination Policies
- Policies covering gender, ethnicity, religion, and disability
- Policies against sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse (PSHEA)
Clean Record
- No criminal record or convictions
- No affiliation with proscribed organizations, including terrorists, drug traffickers, illicit trade networks, or child labour
Required Documentation for Host Organizations
- CAC Certificate
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Programme Duration, Location, and Structure
- Duration: 12-month paid fellowship
- Location: Nigeria (placement depends on Host Organization and catchment area)
- Structure: Full-time work placement with mentorship and professional development
- Post-Programme Support: 6-month Alumni Talent Hub support
The programme is not remote and requires physical placement with Host Organizations.
How to Apply for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme
Applications to the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme are completed online only.
Application Steps for Fellows
- Visit the official NJFP website
- Apply as a Fellow
- Complete the online application form
- Upload required documentation
- Participate in assessments if shortlisted
- Await matching with a Host Organization
Application Steps for Host Organizations
- Visit the NJFP website
- Apply as a Host Organization
- Submit required organizational documents
- Provide role descriptions and mentorship commitment
Important Dates and Deadlines
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme operates on a rolling basis depending on programme cycles. Applicants are advised to regularly check the official NJFP portal for updates on:
- Application opening dates
- Assessment timelines
- Placement periods
Application Portal
Why the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme Matters
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) represents a critical investment in Nigeria’s youth, workforce, and future economic development. By connecting fresh graduates with meaningful work opportunities, providing mentorship, and supporting career growth beyond the fellowship period, the programme addresses both unemploymentand skills mismatch in Nigeria’s labour market.
For Nigerian graduates seeking paid work experience, professional development, and long-term career pathways, the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme offers a structured and impactful opportunity to transition confidently into the world of work.
