Thousands of young Nigerian graduates are receiving a monthly stipend of N150,000 through the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), a major employability initiative designed to help young people gain workplace experience while supporting organizations with access to emerging talent.
The programme, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Federal Government and funded by the European Union (EU), is currently in its second phase. It aims to place 23,724 graduates in organisations across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking during an Employer and Fellow Engagement session in Nasarawa State, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Delivery and Coordination in the Office of the Vice President and focal person for the programme, explained that the initiative was created to address one of the biggest barriers facing young graduates: the lack of practical work experience.
According to programme officials, many employers require previous workplace experience before hiring, leaving many qualified graduates unable to secure jobs despite possessing relevant knowledge and skills. The fellowship was designed to close this gap by providing young professionals with a year-long opportunity to work, develop industry-relevant skills and improve their employability.
Under the programme, fellows are attached to host organisations where they receive hands-on experience, mentorship and professional development support. A key benefit for participating organisations, including small and growing businesses, is that the monthly stipend is paid entirely by UNDP, removing salary obligations during the placement period.
This arrangement allows businesses and institutions to access trained young talent while helping graduates gain valuable workplace exposure. For many MSMEs, the programme offers an opportunity to strengthen their workforce capacity without additional payroll pressure.
The Federal Government views the initiative as a national workforce development programme aimed at building a stronger talent pipeline for the economy. Officials say plans are in place to deploy at least 20,000 fellows annually in future cycles.
To ensure sustainability, discussions are ongoing to establish a National Basket Fund that would attract contributions from the Federal Government, development partners and state governments to support future fellowship rounds.
Further details provided by programme managers show that participants receive more than financial support. Fellows also benefit from digital skills training, entrepreneurship development programmes and talent management services designed to improve their long-term career prospects.
The programme is open to Nigerian graduates who are under 30 years old, graduated in 2022 or later, possess at least a Second Class Lower university degree or an Upper Credit Higher National Diploma (HND), and have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme or received official exemption.
Applicants must also successfully complete several assessment stages, including aptitude tests, video assessments and psychometric evaluations before joining the fellowship talent pool.
Competition remains strong due to the high volume of applications received nationwide.
In Nasarawa State alone, the programme has already generated significant economic impact. Officials disclosed that about N344.66 million has been paid to fellows in stipends since implementation began.
A total of 423 fellows have been placed in organisations across the state, while another 185 are awaiting placement. So far, 86 organisations have been engaged under the programme, with 64 actively hosting fellows.
Participating organisations are expected to provide meaningful assignments, mentorship, supervision and a conducive work environment. They are also required to verify fellows’ attendance each month to support programme administration.
To further improve employment outcomes, NJFP has introduced an Alumni Talent Hub that connects employers with former fellows who have demonstrated strong performance during their placements. The platform is expected to create more opportunities for permanent employment after the fellowship period.
Stakeholders have described the initiative as a practical response to graduate unemployment and workforce development challenges. They noted that the programme not only helps young people build careers but also provides businesses with access to skilled and motivated professionals.
As the second phase continues, the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme remains one of the country’s largest graduate employability interventions, combining financial support, workplace experience and skills development to prepare thousands of young Nigerians for long-term career success while strengthening the talent available to employers.