FG launches $220m Jubilee Fellows Programme to boost Youth employment

The Nigerian government has announced plans to invest $220 million in creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0.

The initiative, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is designed to connect high-potential graduates with practical work experience, training, and mentorship.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed the plan on Wednesday while formally launching NJFP 2.0 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He explained that the programme aims to bridge the gap between education and employment for thousands of young Nigerians, providing them with the opportunity to translate their skills into productive economic contribution.

Shettima emphasized that the NJFP is a Nigerian programme shaped by national priorities and guided by the country’s developmental goals. He stated that the Tinubu administration is committed to integrating the programme into national planning and budgeting frameworks to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.

The Vice President called for strong collaboration between the government and private sector to address Nigeria’s unemployment challenge. “As we launch NJFP 2.0 today, I call on our partners — from the private sector, development community, and donor ecosystem — to join us in building the NJFP Basket Fund, a sustainable financing mechanism to secure the programme’s future. Our immediate goal is to raise $220 million, not as charity, but as an investment in the nation’s most valuable asset: our young people,” he said.

Shettima urged the EU, UNDP, and other partners to see the programme as a demonstration that youth employment is a shared responsibility and not just a policy priority. He highlighted that inclusivity is central to the programme, stressing that young Nigerians are ready to contribute if given fair systems that recognize effort, reward merit, and provide opportunities.

The NJFP 2.0 is expected to empower graduates nationwide, equipping them with the skills, mentorship, and work experience needed to thrive in the job market and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth.