The Federal Government has unveiled the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0), an initiative designed to provide at least 20,000 jobs annually by connecting talented graduates with practical work experience, mentorship, and professional training.
Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the Project Steering Committee of the NJFP 2.0 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, stressing that the programme aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and gainful employment for Nigeria’s young graduates.
Shettima described the initiative as “a deliberate attempt to translate the nation’s demographic strength into productive economic power,” emphasizing that when government provides structure and purpose, “young Nigerians rise to the occasion.”
He reaffirmed that the programme is a wholly Nigerian-led effort aligned with national priorities. “Your task,” he told committee members, “is to deepen that ownership, strengthen coordination across institutions, and ensure that NJFP remains accountable to the ambitions of this administration.”
The Vice President urged the committee to focus on measurable impact rather than statistics, saying, “We must think in terms of outcomes that matter—young people whose lives change because this system works as intended.”
Shettima further noted that inclusivity would remain central to NJFP 2.0, ensuring that the programme benefits youths from diverse backgrounds and regions across Nigeria. “Placements must align with the sectors shaping Nigeria’s future—agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries,” he said.
The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, expressed optimism that the programme would transform young Nigerians’ lives, adding that the EU’s support would help actualize the NJFP’s goals.
Similarly, the UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, hailed NJFP 2.0 as part of a broader African development vision. She said the UNDP remains committed to building a job-creating ecosystem and commended Vice President Shettima’s leadership. “What young Nigerians need,” she said, “is an enabling environment and opportunities to make use of their skills.”
Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the redesigned NJFP 2.0 builds on lessons from the first phase to respond to Nigeria’s current economic realities. He revealed that the programme aims to deploy at least 24,000 fellows in the next 10 months with EU funding support.
Hadejia added that NJFP 2.0 aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes job creation, skills development, and youth empowerment as core drivers of economic transformation.
Launched in 2022, the NJFP is coordinated by the Office of the Vice President, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and funded by the European Union (EU). The first phase empowered over 14,000 young Nigerians through paid 12-month fellowships that provided valuable work experience, confidence, and career opportunities.
What You Should Know
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) is a collaborative initiative between the Federal Government, the European Union, and the UNDP, designed to equip graduates with real-world experience and enhance employability.
With the launch of NJFP 2.0, the government plans to create over 20,000 jobs annually while aligning youth development with key economic sectors shaping Nigeria’s future.
