Business News of Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Source: www.legit.ng

Hope for Nigeria’s Youth: FG launches 12-month internship with N150,000 monthly pay

In a major push to tackle youth unemployment and enhance national productivity, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), a 12-month paid internship that connects graduates to real-world experience in reputable organisations.

Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadeja, announced the initiative during a press briefing in Abuja, describing it as a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The programme, he said, is part of the administration’s long-term plan to empower young Nigerians, bridge the unemployment gap, and build a stronger, more inclusive economy.

The official launch will take place on Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre, with Vice President Kashim Shettima leading the event.

Each selected fellow will receive a ₦150,000 monthly stipend for the duration of the 12-month programme.

Participants will be placed in both public and private sector organisations, giving them access to mentorship, skill development, and practical experience that will prepare them for long-term careers.

According to Hadeja, the NJFP was designed to mitigate the economic challenges worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, while also improving Nigeria’s human capital base.

“This initiative empowers youth directly and enhances workforce capacity nationwide,” he said.

The NJFP is being implemented in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - two of Nigeria’s strongest development allies. According to a report by the Daily Sun, the EU Head of Operations announced a €44 million (about ₦70 billion) commitment to support the programme’s rollout.

Meanwhile, the UNDP representative expressed optimism that this partnership will deepen institutional growth and expand employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.