Abuja, Nigeria — October 21, 2025
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to create at least 20,000 jobs annually through the launch of the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0) — an initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment and bridge the skills gap between young graduates and employers.
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima is scheduled to officially launch the upgraded phase of the programme, tagged “NJFP 2.0”, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in Abuja. The launch is expected to mark a renewed national commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through paid internships, digital training, and private-sector partnerships.
Renewed Hope Agenda for Youth Employment
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, first introduced in 2021 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, is a collaborative initiative between the Federal Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and key private-sector stakeholders. The programme provides one-year paid fellowships for young graduates, placing them in both public and private organizations to gain practical work experience.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government has revamped the scheme into its second phase, NJFP 2.0, expanding its scope, introducing new digital skill components, and strengthening collaboration with industries across technology, finance, agriculture, and creative sectors.
According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President, the new phase aims to “connect more Nigerian graduates with career opportunities while supporting businesses with skilled manpower.”
“The Federal Government, through NJFP 2.0, is determined to provide sustainable employment pathways for young Nigerians. Our goal is to create at least 20,000 new jobs every year, empowering the next generation to drive innovation and productivity across key sectors,” the statement read.
Programme Focus and Expansion
NJFP 2.0 is expected to build on the achievements of its first phase, which placed over 20,000 fellows in organizations nationwide, many of whom transitioned into full-time employment after the fellowship year.
The second phase introduces several new components:
- Digital Skills Accelerator: A training platform to equip fellows with critical digital competencies — including data analytics, project management, software development, and digital marketing — to align with the global job market.
- Entrepreneurship Support Window: Fellows with business ideas will receive mentorship and access to small grants to kickstart their ventures after the fellowship period.
- Public-Private Sector Integration: The programme will expand host partnerships to include start-ups, SMEs, multinational corporations, and public institutions to widen placement opportunities.
- Performance-Based Incentives: Organizations hosting fellows will receive government-backed incentives based on the fellows’ retention rates and performance metrics.
The new structure is being coordinated by the Ministry of Youth Development and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with the UNDP and the European Union (EU), both of which supported the first phase of the programme.
Vice President Shettima to Lead Launch Event
The official unveiling, scheduled for October 22 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, will be led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu. The event is expected to draw top government officials, development partners, private-sector leaders, and youth representatives.
In a pre-launch briefing, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and Digital Innovation, Tola Joseph, said the Tinubu administration is committed to scaling youth empowerment initiatives as part of its economic recovery agenda.
“NJFP 2.0 is not just a continuation; it’s a transformation. We’re scaling the programme with a focus on digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, and job readiness for the modern economy,” he said.
He added that the second phase will prioritize inclusion by ensuring that at least 50% of fellows are women, while persons with disabilities and graduates from rural areas will also receive targeted support to ensure equitable access.
Tackling Nigeria’s Youth Unemployment Crisis
Nigeria, with over 60% of its population under the age of 35, continues to face one of the highest youth unemployment rates in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), youth unemployment and underemployment remain major challenges, despite gradual improvements in job creation in recent quarters.
Experts say initiatives like the NJFP are essential in addressing the structural gap between academic learning and workplace readiness. Many graduates struggle to find employment not because of lack of education, but due to limited practical experience and digital skills demanded by employers.
Dr. Zainab Usman, an economist and policy analyst, said programmes like NJFP 2.0 represent a strategic step toward workforce transformation.
“Nigeria’s challenge is not just job scarcity, but skills mismatch. By providing young graduates with paid internships and mentorship, NJFP 2.0 will help align our human capital development with market realities,” she explained.
Private Sector and Development Partners’ Role
The success of NJFP’s first phase was driven by partnerships with over 600 organizations, including companies in banking, ICT, agriculture, energy, and creative industries. Under NJFP 2.0, the Federal Government plans to double that number and attract more international partners.
A UNDP representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attah, praised the initiative’s continuity, emphasizing its potential to transform Nigeria’s labor market.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria. The NJFP has shown that targeted, well-managed interventions can create real impact by linking youth talent with market needs,” Attah said.
Similarly, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) commended the government for sustaining and expanding the initiative, urging participating companies to offer long-term employment to fellows who excel during their placements.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The Federal Government has also announced that a robust monitoring and evaluation framework will be implemented to ensure transparency, track progress, and assess the impact of NJFP 2.0. The programme’s data dashboard will provide real-time updates on fellow placements, host organizations, and employment outcomes after completion.
Officials said the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, in collaboration with the UNDP, will oversee the evaluation process to ensure accountability and long-term sustainability.
What to Expect from NJFP 2.0 Launch
The Abuja launch is expected to include:
- The official unveiling of NJFP 2.0’s new digital platform and application portal.
- Signing of partnership agreements between the government, private sector, and development agencies.
- Testimonies from alumni of the first phase who have transitioned into full-time roles or launched successful businesses.
- Announcements on application timelines and eligibility requirements for prospective fellows.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria continues to battle economic headwinds and high youth unemployment, the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme 2.0 represents a critical element in the Tinubu administration’s strategy to empower young Nigerians, stimulate job creation, and promote inclusive growth.
The Federal Government says it remains confident that the initiative will not only help reduce unemployment rates, but also boost productivity, stimulate innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth across all sectors.
“This is a defining moment for Nigerian youth,” Vice President Shettima is expected to declare at the launch. “We are investing in talent, creativity, and ambition — because the future of this nation depends on it.”
