The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to create at least 20,000 jobs annually through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), a flagship youth employment initiative aimed at equipping young graduates with real-world work experience and mentorship opportunities.
The programme, coordinated by the Office of the Vice President, is implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the European Union (EU).
Bridging the Gap Between Learning and Earning
Speaking at the inauguration of the NJFP 2.0 Project Steering Committee in Abuja on Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to making the programme inclusive, impactful, and future-focused, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The NJFP is designed to bridge the gap between learning and earning for thousands of young Nigerians who have the education but lack job opportunities,” Shettima said.
He described the initiative as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s human capital, intended to transform the country’s demographic strength into economic power.
A Nigerian-Led, Inclusive Programme
The Vice President emphasized that the NJFP remains a Nigerian-led programme, aligned with national priorities and responsive to the diverse needs of youth across the country.
“Inclusivity must remain at the heart of NJFP 2.0. Our young people are not a homogenous group—they live in different realities across regions, genders, and social backgrounds,” he noted.
“We must ensure this opportunity reaches every corner of Nigeria and that placements align with sectors shaping our future—agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries.”
Outcomes Over Figures
Urging the steering committee to focus on meaningful impact, Shettima called for tangible results rather than mere statistical achievements.
“We must think beyond figures and focus on outcomes that matter—young people whose lives change because this system works,” he said.
“Let us demonstrate what partnership done right can achieve: where government leads with clarity, partners contribute with confidence, and results speak for themselves.”
EU Expresses Confidence in NJFP
Also speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, expressed optimism about the programme’s ability to positively transform the lives of Nigerian youth and contribute to broader national development.
About NJFP
Launched in 2021, the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is a youth empowerment initiative that places high-potential graduates under the age of 30 in paid fellowships with private and public sector organizations for a period of 12 months. It provides on-the-job training, mentorship, and skills development, aimed at enhancing employability and career prospects.
