In a bold push to reshape Nigeria’s employment landscape, the Federal Government is set to roll out the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) — a transformative initiative expected to generate over 20,000 new jobs annually and open more pathways for youth entrepreneurship.
Scheduled for launch on October 22, 2025, in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima will officially unveil NJFP 2.0, signaling a renewed national commitment to bridge the gap between young talent and meaningful employment. The unveiling will coincide with a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Job Creation, themed “From Skills to Jobs and Enterprises: Driving Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Key Economic Sectors.”
But beyond the event, what’s truly at stake is Nigeria’s effort to build an inclusive economy — one that transforms the energy and innovation of its youth into measurable progress.
Renewed Focus on Inclusive Growth
Ahead of the launch, Vice President Shettima inaugurated the NJFP Project Steering Committee, urging members to ensure the program’s reach extends to every corner of the country. His message was clear: the fight against unemployment must be national, strategic, and inclusive.
A Proven Model for Opportunity
The NJFP, first introduced on August 31, 2021, was designed as a bridge between academia and the workplace — pairing fresh graduates with organizations where they can gain real-world experience. Backed by a €44 million commitment from the European Union in 2022, the program has already offered over 14,000 young Nigerians a year-long, paid fellowship across key sectors of the economy.
For many participants, the NJFP experience has been more than just a job — it’s been a launching pad for confidence, skill-building, and long-term employability.
A Broader National Strategy
The renewed NJFP effort aligns with a wave of job creation and skills development programs recently launched by the government.
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LEEP (Local Employment and Empowerment Programme), introduced earlier this year, targets 2.5 million jobs in two years through upskilling and digital literacy initiatives.
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The National Job Centre Project, unveiled in October 2025, is creating a digital network of employability hubs to link skilled Nigerians directly with employers.
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In partnership with CAC and SMEDAN, the government is also providing free business name registrations — a move expected to formalize 250,000 youth-led enterprises, inject ₦6 billion into the economy, and stimulate job creation across small business sectors.
A Step Toward a Future-Ready Workforce
As NJFP 2.0 takes off, it symbolizes more than continuity — it’s an evolution of Nigeria’s strategy to turn potential into productivity. By equipping young people with both technical skills and practical experience, the program represents a vision of growth powered by the nation’s most valuable resource: its youth.