How NJFP is tackling youth unemployment

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), a flagship initiative of the Federal Government, recently hosted a one-day stakeholders’ forum in Benin City to promote youth employability and empowerment in the South-South region.

The event, held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, brought together participants from various sectors, including host organisations, current fellows, and alumni from across Edo State.

Funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the program aims to address the high rates of youth unemployment in Nigeria.

Speaking at the forum, Emmanuel Ojuederhie, NJFP’s South-South regional focal point, explained how the initiative is designed to “depopulate the labour market in Nigeria.”

Ojuederhie highlighted the program’s core benefits, stating that fellows receive a stipend for 12 months at no cost to their host organisations.

He added that the program also provides mentorship and training opportunities to build their capacity and employability, emphasising that the fellows’ engagement must be “effective and rewarding to serve the purpose of the programme.”

Success stories were also shared, showcasing how participants have transitioned from being fellows to securing full-time employment or even launching their own ventures.

Fellows and alumni were also present to share their personal experiences and the impact the program has had on their lives.

Hanson Johnson, chief executive of Start Innovation Hub, a talent management company that partners with the UNDP for regional support, further stressed the importance of the forum and the urgent need to address youth unemployment.

He described the NJFP as “a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s youth unemployment challenge by providing young graduates with valuable work experience and mentorship in various sectors.”
The forum served as a platform for open dialogue and clarification. Participants, including representatives from host organisations and fellows, described the event as rewarding and commended the organisers.

During an interactive session, clarifications were made, providing a better understanding of the program’s processes for both host organisations and fellows.

The event concluded with a “Call to Action,” urging organisations to collaborate with the NJFP to build a sustainable future not just for Nigerian youth but for the country at large.

The program serves as a bridge, connecting the potential of young graduates with work opportunities in both the private and public sectors, thereby facilitating a smooth transition from “learning to earning.”

As of May, last year, the NJFP placed 3,000 talents into the 3 Million Tech Talent programme (3MTT) under the auspices of the Office of the Minister for Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (MoCIDE), in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The selected fellows, representing diverse regions of the country, embarked on a transformative 12-month journey within various host organisations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Through a combination of physical, virtual, and hybrid work arrangements, these fellows will gain invaluable work experience while making tangible contributions to their respective host organisations.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in addressing unemployment and fostering innovation within Nigeria.

Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Nigeria resident representative, stated, “The Nigeria Jubilee Fellowship Programme serves as a conduit for empowering our youth and fostering economic growth across all regions of Nigeria.”

“By facilitating access to top-tier talent for organisations, we are driving innovation and catalysing sustainable development.”

Highlighting the EU’s commitment to youth empowerment and employment, Samuela Isopi, European Union Ambassador, emphasised, “Creating pathways for young graduates to enter the job market is vital for sustainable economic development.”

“Through the EU-Nigeria partnership, we are proud to support initiatives like the NJFP, which equip young Nigerians with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.”