The Federal Government says it is targeting the creation of at least 20,000 jobs annually through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), designed to connect young graduates with paid work experience, mentorship, and training opportunities.
Vice President Kashim Shettima stated this on Monday in Abuja while inaugurating the Project Steering Committee ahead of the official launch of NJFP 2.0 scheduled for Wednesday, October 22. The programme, implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the European Union (EU), is a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for job creation and youth empowerment.
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Shettima urged the committee to ensure the initiative remains inclusive and impactful, saying the government aims to bridge the gap between learning and earning for thousands of graduates across Nigeria. He emphasized that placements will focus on strategic sectors such as agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries.
The Vice President noted that over 14,000 fellows had benefitted from the first phase of the NJFP since its launch in 2022, adding that the new phase would expand the reach of the programme and strengthen its outcomes.
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, pledged continued support for the initiative, describing it as a model for sustainable youth employment in Africa.
Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said the new phase will place 24,000 fellows over the next 10 months and create two clear pathways for participants, employment and entrepreneurship, to ensure lasting impact.
