• Nigeria launched the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), aiming to create 20,000 jobs annually through training and mentorship.

• The first phase benefited over 14,000 young Nigerians, offering 12-month paid fellowships that enhanced employability and career prospects.

• The initiative complements the government’s broader youth employment drive, including a ₦158 billion ($105 million) investment to train 650,000 young people in technical and digital skills.

Nigeria has launched the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) to strengthen youth employability and generate at least 20,000 jobs per year, officials announced on Monday, October 20.

The Federal Government of Nigeria is targeting the creation of at least 20,000 jobs annually through the launch of the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (@NigeriaJFP), aimed at connecting high-potential graduates with real-world work experience, training, and… pic.twitter.com/xXT2UN4jx1

— Senator Kashim Shettima (@officialSKSM) October 20, 2025

Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the programme’s steering committee, tasked with ensuring an inclusive rollout and equitable access across all regions.

The NJFP, established in 2022, aims to bridge the gap between academic skills and labor market demands by connecting young graduates with opportunities for training, mentorship, and professional experience.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s unemployment rate among tertiary-educated individuals stood at 9% in Q1 2024, reflecting persistent structural challenges in job creation within Africa’s largest economy.

The programme’s first phase already provided 12-month paid fellowships to over 14,000 Nigerian graduates, enabling them to gain practical experience, self-confidence, and long-term career prospects.

Officials said the next phase seeks to expand these opportunities while deepening private sector participation to sustain job creation momentum.

The Jubilee Fellows Programme forms part of Nigeria’s broader effort to address youth unemployment. In September 2025, Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Ahmad announced a ₦158 billion ($105 million) initiative under the Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP) to train 650,000 young Nigerians in technical, vocational, and digital skills tailored to emerging industries.

With over 200 million inhabitants, Nigeria’s government sees such programs as essential to equipping its young population for a rapidly evolving job market.

This article was initially published in French by Ingrid Haffiny (intern)

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum