Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Job Fair Boosts Youth Employment

The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) organized a large-scale job fair in Abuja, themed "Build a Nation Workforce of the Future," which brought together 500 employers and 1,500 young professionals. Akubo Adegb, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Delivery Coordination, described the program as a strategic intervention designed to equip young Nigerians with workplace skills and practical experience.

The initiative addresses the significant barrier of lack of work experience that graduates face. Candidates undergo a rigorous screening process, with only five percent successfully admitted to ensure high standards.

Beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend of N150,000 for a period of 12 months, providing critical livelihood support while gaining professional experience. The federal government plans to establish a sustainable funding mechanism to ensure the program's continuity, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda focusing on human capital development.

Clair Henshaw from the UNDP emphasized the importance of mentorship and professional development for fellows, ensuring they receive guidance to become productive members of Nigeria's workforce.