Jubilee Fellows Programme: Criteria, Portal To Apply For FG Initiative

The Nigerian government has opened the application portal for the Nigerian Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) to assist 20,000 graduates with post-COVID-19 job hunt.

The process will run from September 6 to October 20, 2021.

Recall that last Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari officially flagged off the programme.

Jubilee Fellows

It is a youth empowerment partnership initiative between the federal government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The sectors include information and communications technology, financial services, trade, manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, mining, telecommunications, creative industries and technology, education, health, research and development.

The programme will give three options for successful applicants upon completion of the fellowship, including retainship with respective host organisations, entrepreneurship opportunities, and a platform to compete and access future jobs and employment opportunities.

According to a recent Press statement by the acting head of Communications UNDP Nigeria, Alison Clement, NJFP would provide 20,000 young Nigerian graduates annually with year-long job placement opportunities in both the public and private sectors across the country.

“The NJFP aims to champion homegrown Nigerian talent and opportunities by creating a channel between graduates and industry, to help address the employment gap by identifying the emerging skills that companies need most, while guiding graduates to be more prepared for a constantly evolving work environment.

“The long-term goal of the programme is to create opportunities where Fellows can play a meaningful part in growing the private and public sector while contributing towards the future of Nigeria.

“Interested private and public sector organizations must submit an official letter of interest, outlining their commitment to supporting the programme by accepting fellow placements. Among other requirements, organizations will also be asked to provide mentorship support to Fellows,” Clement stated.

While assuring of transparency, Clement called on potential host organisations to express interest by submitting their application through the online portal, stressing that an independent management company would review the process.

“The selection process will be transparent and inclusive. Prospective fellows are to submit an application electronically against the criteria through the application portal.

“Once applications close, an independent talent management company will review submissions and produce a long list of applicants that will proceed to the next stage of the selection process. Long-listed candidates will then undergo a series of aptitude tests and assessments before the final selection is made.

“Host organisations that meet the eligibility requirements will be put into a database in readiness for matching with pre-qualified fellows.

“The talent needs of host organizations will be determined through the application and the placement cycle will be a collaborative process between the NJFP and successful organizations to ensure industry needs align to the needs of the Fellow,” she added.

Jubilee Fellows Programme criteria

• Be a Nigerian citizen.
• Be a fresh graduate (Bachelor’s Degree) from any discipline — not earlier than 2017.
• Graduate with at least a Second Class Lower (2.2) and above.
• Be at most 30 years old.
• Not currently engaged in any employment.
• Have completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) OR have a certificate of exemption from the NYSC.
• Demonstrate interest/commitment in chosen career field.
• Demonstrate interest/commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
• Have excellent time management and a professional attitude.
• Have good verbal and written communication skills.

Jubilee portal

Interested applicants can access the application portal via this link.