The Nigerian government has launched the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0), a $220 million initiative designed to connect high-potential young graduates with internships, mentorships, and employment opportunities.
The program targets strategic sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and the creative industries, reports Voice of Nigeria.
"The goal is to bridge the gap between learning and employment for thousands of young Nigerians — graduates who have received an education but do not always have the opportunity to put it to use,” said Vice President Kashim Shettima Mustapha.
Funding will be mobilized through the NJFP Basket Fund, a mechanism that pools public contributions and international partners’ support. This phase is being implemented in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
"Our immediate objective is to mobilize $220 million, not as a donation but as an investment in the nation’s most valuable asset — our youth,” added Kashim Shettima Mustapha.
Since its launch in 2021, the NJFP has enabled more than 13,000 young people to gain professional skills and aims to reach 100,000 beneficiaries within five years, according to Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, Minister of Youth Development.
The launch of NJFP 2.0 comes as the country seeks to establish sustainable funding mechanisms for youth employment programs. The government is calling on the private sector, donors, and the development community to participate in this long-term initiative, at a time when the transition of graduates into employment remains a major structural challenge.
The initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to combining national planning, strategic financing, and inclusivity to fully harness its demographic dividend.