Abuja, Nigeria – October 22, 2025 - The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has flagged off the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), a transformative national initiative designed to strengthen youth employability, build digital and entrepreneurial skills and expand access to decent work opportunities across the country.

The flag-off event, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Aso Rock, Abuja, under the leadership of His Excellency the Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, convened senior government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, civil society and youth representatives under the theme “Building a National Workforce for the Future.”

Led by the Federal Government of Nigeria, with funding support from the European Union and implemented by UNDP, NJFP was first established in 2022 to address youth unemployment by connecting talented graduates to fully paid 12-month fellowships in reputable public and private sector organizations. Since inception, the programme has successfully placed over 14,000 fellows nationwide, many of whom have transitioned into permanent employment, founded businesses, or contributed to innovation and institutional growth.

NJFP 2.0 marks a new phase of expansion and innovation. The programme will now place over 23,000 young Nigerians, leveraging digital technology, entrepreneurship training and cross-sector partnerships to bridge the gap between education and employability.

Speaking at the Flag Off His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stated that “NJFP 2.0 is a strategic response to a national need, developing a competent, future-ready workforce that can drive productivity and innovation in all sectors of our economy.” His Excellency further added, 
“We are not just addressing unemployment; we are equipping our youth to lead Nigeria’s transformation. Through NJFP, we are aligning talent with opportunity, and vision with action.”

The Flag-Off event featured a National High-Level Dialogue on “Driving Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship”, which brought together policymakers, business leaders and development experts to explore pathways for job creation, innovation and sustainable economic inclusion. Key discussions focused on aligning skills with industry demand, financing youth enterprises, and scaling partnerships for national workforce development.

In his remarks, H.E Ambassador Gautier Mignot, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, reiterated the EU’s enduring commitment to youth empowerment, employability, and inclusive growth, he further encouraged “the Federal Government, State Governments, and our partners in the private sector and the international development community to come on board and make concrete resource commitments to ensure the longevity and scalability of this initiative”. 

Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, described the programme as a bold and forward-looking initiative: “NJFP 2.0 is more than a fellowship, it’s a movement for national renewal,” she said. “Through this programme, we are investing in young Nigerians who will become builders of new institutions, drivers of innovation and champions of sustainable growth. The future of work in Nigeria is being written by its youth and NJFP 2.0 is their platform.”

The event also featured an Employers’ Exhibition and Networking Forum, showcasing organizations that have hosted fellows and contributed to building a new generation of skilled professionals. A Commitment Signing Ceremony followed, during which government ministries, private sector leaders, and development partners pledged sustained support to expand opportunities and integrate NJFP into Nigeria’s long-term employment and enterprise frameworks.

NJFP 2.0’s core objectives include:

• Expanding access to decent and meaningful work opportunities for young Nigerians across all regions

• Deepening collaboration among government, private sector and development partners under a unified national jobs agenda

• Strengthening pathways for entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development

• Enhancing visibility for fellows’ success stories as models of innovation and impact

• Positioning NJFP as Nigeria’s flagship national platform for youth employability and workforce transformation

With its focus on digital integration, sectoral diversification and large-scale partnerships, NJFP 2.0 reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to investing in youth as the cornerstone of national progress.

With NJFP 2.0, Nigeria is not only confronting the challenges of youth unemployment head-on, but also redefining how talent, innovation and inclusive growth intersect. By mobilizing the power of public-private partnerships, digital transformation and youth-led enterprise, the programme positions Nigeria as a model for workforce development in Africa. The Flag-Off marks signal a nationwide call to action: to invest in youth, to unlock opportunity and to build a future where every young Nigerian has the tools, the platform and the confidence to thrive.

Note to Editors:

About Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP): 

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The programme aims to address the rising rate of unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria by connecting talented Nigerian graduates with local opportunities in host organizations for 12 months, providing them with hands-on training, skills development, coaching, and mentoring.

To learn more about the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme and how to participate as a fellow, host organization, or partner, visit: https://www.njfp.ng

About the European Union

The European Union is a unique partnership among 27 European countries.  These countries are determined to shape their future together.  For over 65 years, they have built a zone of peace, stability, progress, and solidarity.  The European Union is a model for overcoming conflict and promoting reconciliation through close co-operation to achieve common goals, while respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.  The ambition of the European Union is to share its achievements and its values with countries and people beyond its borders.

As young people make up 70% of Nigeria’s population, the EU’s partnership with Nigeria has a strong focus on the youth.  Learn more: https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/nigeria_en

About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in over 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated and lasting solutions for people and the planet. 

UNDP Nigeria is driving a new era of development through its Integrated Smart States Programme (ISSP), a bold, system-wide approach that delivers high-impact solutions across Nigeria’s diverse regions. At its core are five flagship portfolios focused on innovation, digital transformation, and the knowledge economy; trade, investment and financing for development; integrated, clean and decentralized energy systems; accelerated community development; and the Made in Nigeria initiative. Together, they enable inclusive, locally led growth, while deepening institutional capacity and unlocking scalable, future-ready development pathways. Learn more: https://www.undp.org/nigeria

Media Contact:
Christabel Chanda - Ginsberg
Public Engagement, Outreach & Partnerships Lead
christabel.chanda-ginsberg@undp.org
Tel: +234 904 935 4441

Modestus Chukwulaka
Press and Information Officer
Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS
Modestus.CHUKWULAKA@eeas.europa.eu