The Federal Government says it plans to generate at least 20,000 new jobs every year through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0), designed to equip young graduates with workplace experience, mentorship, and practical skills.
Vice President Kashim Shettima stated this at the inauguration of the Project Steering Committee of the NJFP 2.0 held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Shettima said the initiative is part of government’s broader strategy to close the gap between learning and earning by supporting graduates who possess the requisite qualifications but lack employment opportunities.
According to him, the programme represents a deliberate effort to convert the nation’s youthful population into productive assets capable of driving sustainable economic growth.
“This programme demonstrates that when government provides structure, partnership, and purpose, young Nigerians always rise to the occasion,” the Vice President said.
He emphasized that the NJFP is wholly Nigerian-owned and tailored to align with national priorities. He urged members of the steering committee to ensure effective coordination among institutions and deliver measurable results that reflect the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima called for inclusivity in the implementation of the programme, noting that young people across all regions, genders, and social backgrounds must benefit from the initiative.
“Our design must remain inclusive. We must ensure that this opportunity reaches every part of the country, particularly in key growth sectors such as agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries,” he added.
Speaking at the event, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, said the EU remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to create employment and transform the lives of its young citizens.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, described the new phase as part of a wider national and continental effort to strengthen youth empowerment through innovation and enterprise.
She praised Vice President Shettima for championing the initiative, stressing that what Nigerian youths need most is a supportive environment that allows them to apply their skills effectively.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said the second phase builds on the successes and lessons of the first, which has already empowered over 14,000 young Nigerians through paid fellowships.
Hadejia explained that the new design aims to place about 24,000 fellows in organisations across the country within the next 10 months, with support from the European Union and implementation by the UNDP.
He added that the NJFP 2.0 aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, skills development, and youth empowerment as central to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, launched in 2022, is coordinated by the Office of the Vice President. It provides 12-month paid fellowships for young graduates to gain professional experience and enhance their employability.
