CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR SHELL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Nigerian youth are eager to drive change, lead, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. However, questions arise about whether they possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and role models to navigate leadership effectively. Do they fully grasp the essence of leading themselves before leading others?
To address these gaps, LEAP Africa has developed the Youth Leadership Development Programme (YLDP)—an initiative designed to equip undergraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions with the competencies, knowledge, and resources required to take active roles in nation-building, community development, and policy advocacy.
Are You Passionate About Social Change?
Are you a Nigerian undergraduate who is deeply committed to making a difference in your community and advocating for key national issues? Here’s your opportunity! The Nigerian Youth Futures Fund Youth Leadership Development Programme 2025 aims to transform you into a proactive advocate for social change.
Focus Areas for the 2025 Cohort
This year, the programme has two major thematic areas. To participate, applicants must submit a project proposal under one of the following categories:
1. Facilitating Good Governance
This category focuses on enhancing governance processes and encouraging active civic participation. Possible project ideas include:
- Transparency & Accountability in Governance:
- How can your project empower your community to demand accountability from leaders?
- Voter Education:
- As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections, how well-informed are citizens about their voting rights?
- How can you improve voter education within your university or local community?
- National Policy Engagement:
- How can you help your community understand and engage with the National Youth Policy?
- Are there existing policies within your school or community that require reform?
- Social Media Advocacy:
- How can digital platforms be leveraged to amplify governance issues?
- What strategies can encourage student participation in university administration and national policy discussions?
2. Resolving Fundamental National Issues
This category focuses on fostering peace, inclusion, and civic awareness. Possible project ideas include:
- Group Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding:
- How can your project contribute to unity and peacebuilding in your community?
- What can be done to address communal and inter-tribal conflicts?
- Gender & Social Inclusion:
- Do you have an idea that promotes inclusive policies within your school or community?
- Civic Rights Awareness:
- Can your project educate community members about their fundamental rights?
- How can you provide support for students facing injustice within and outside the campus?
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the programme, applicants must:
✔ Be between 18–35 years old
✔ Be an undergraduate student enrolled in a Nigerian tertiary institution
✔ Be available for the entire five-month programme duration
✔ Commit to at least 85% participation throughout the programme
✔ Have access to a mobile phone or computer with a stable internet connection
✔ Provide proof of studentship (current session course form or student ID card)
✔ Be open to traveling for programme-related activities (without significant disruption to academic responsibilities)
✔ Complete 10 mandatory virtual courses before progressing to specialized tracks
Programme Benefits
Selected participants will enjoy:
✅ Leadership training & mentorship from top social innovators and policy experts
✅ Access to micro-grants for community development projects
✅ Opportunities to participate in national policy debates
✅ Recognition as a youth leader driving positive change in Nigeria
✅ A vibrant network of like-minded changemakers
✅ Grants ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦2.5 million, along with other incentives
Application Deadline: March 14, 2025
Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of Nigeria’s next generation of leaders!
