Vice President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated the Steering Committee of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellowship Programme (NJFP), a federal government initiative aimed at expanding employment opportunities and improving the employability of recent graduates by equipping them with market-ready skills.
The NJFP, coordinated by the Office of the Vice President and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), receives seed funding from the European Union (EU).
It was designed to address the challenges Nigerian graduates face in securing meaningful employment, while also developing a scalable model to tackle the root causes of rising unemployment and underemployment in the country.
During the inauguration ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Shettima, through a statement issued by his spokesperson Stanley Nkwocha, described the programme as a pivotal step by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to empower Nigerian youth, preparing them to become not only employees but also innovators and leaders in their respective fields.
He stated: “The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is more than just an employment initiative—it is a catalyst for broader engagement in youth-driven innovation, employability, and entrepreneurship. Programmes like this are a decisive step toward equipping our youth with the tools to become not just employees but also innovators and leaders in their respective fields.
“The NJFP has made commendable progress, and it is now time to build on that foundation to provide a wider coverage through innovative adaptations that ensure that this programme does not just provide job placements but also emphasizes the development of key skills through practical, real-world applications. This is how we scale impact—by embedding long-lasting, transformative learning experiences into the programme structure”.
Recognising the persistent challenge of youth unemployment in Nigeria, Shettima urged stakeholders and development partners to collaborate in addressing the issue to prevent it from threatening the country’s future stability.
“Unemployment remains a critical challenge for Nigeria, and youth unemployment is an even more pressing concern. As a government, we fully recognize the far-reaching consequences that economic downturns have on young people.
“Prolonged periods of unemployment or underemployment can hinder future income potential and significantly diminish career opportunities. This is precisely why today’s gathering is so important.
“We cannot afford to delay; we must act collectively to tackle this issue before it severely undermines our future. It is therefore with a deep sense of responsibility and urgency that I convene this inauguration of the Steering Committee for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP).”
Shettima emphasised that his office plays a central role in overseeing the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) and other key federal initiatives.
These he said include the Human Capital Development (HCD) program, the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE), and the Expanded MSME Clinics. He highlighted that these programs are critical priorities for the Tinubu administration.
Shettima underscored the significance of the NJFP, noting that the future of Nigeria rests in the hands of its youth. He stressed the need to do everything possible to ensure their success.
“It is imperative that we focus on the long-term sustainability and scalability of the NJFP while further aligning the objectives of the programme with the overarching priorities of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“To guarantee this, we must offer all support to ensure that NJFP is not only sustained but also expanded. We will prioritise the counterpart financing to fulfil the government’s obligation and unlock more funding for the programme.”
Earlier, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, praised the federal government for its unwavering leadership and commitment to advancing human capital development, particularly youth development, as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She emphasised the Vice President’s exemplary leadership in this regard, noting that since Shettima inaugurated the steering committee of the Human Capital Development programme a few weeks ago, young Nigerians have been breaking barriers and gaining recognition not only locally but on the global stage.
“Young Nigerians are proving their capacity and ingenuity to transform not just their own lives but also their communities and Africa at large. Nigeria does not carry last,” she said.
Ms Attafuah also acknowledged the European Union’s support of the programme with a funding of 44 million Euros, stating that the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) aims to nurture home-grown talent by connecting young Nigerians with local opportunities through a 12-month placement.
The European Union Head of Cooperation, Massimo de Luca, highlighted the NJFP as a flagship programme that generates pride and excitement, both within the EU’s Abuja office and at the EU Headquarters. He reiterated that youth empowerment is central to the EU’s agenda in Nigeria and globally.
According to him, the programme’s financial sustainability, backed by the EU’s 44 million Euros investment, has benefited both Nigerian and European businesses. Since its inception, the NJFP has forged strong partnerships and empowered thousands of young fellows.
Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim, provided further insights into the NJFP’s impact, aligning it with the ministry’s Work Experience Programme, which places graduates in job positions. She stated that the NJFP offers a chance to enhance this initiative.
Ibrahim said the ministry aims to create 10 million jobs by 2027 but acknowledges that achieving this goal requires collaborative efforts.
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, shared that 3,100 youths have been trained through the programme, which falls short of the projected target. She attributed this gap to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition period of the previous administration.
“But seeing what the head of UNDP has brought in and the commitment of the EU, I am quite optimistic that we’ll do much more,” she added.
