VP Kashim Shettima
Federal Government is set to inject $220 million into creating employment pathways for young Nigerians through a renewed commitment to the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0, Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at the launch of NJFP 2.0 at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima said the initiative will serve as a bridge between education and employment for thousands of young Nigerians.
The programme, in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will connect high-potential graduates with opportunities for mentorship, real-world work experience, and targeted training.
> “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,” Shettima said.
He emphasized that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to institutionalizing the programme by integrating it into national planning and budgeting frameworks.
> “This government will do its part — by ensuring that our financial commitment to the programme reflects our belief in its transformative potential,” he said, calling on the private sector and donor community to contribute to a sustainable ‘NJFP Basket Fund’.
Shettima underscored the need for inclusive participation, stating that employment generation is not the responsibility of government alone.
> “Youth employment is not just a policy priority but a shared responsibility,” he said. “When we pool our resources and align our intentions, we create a multiplier effect that benefits the entire economy.”
He applauded the EU and UNDP for their consistent support, noting their role in demonstrating what public-private collaboration can achieve when focused on youth development.
On the scope of the new phase, Shettima said NJFP 2.0 would focus on reaching youth across all regions and socio-economic backgrounds, with placements targeting sectors such as agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries.
> “As we scale NJFP 2.0, inclusivity remains at the heart of our design,” he said. “We recognise that our young people are not a single story. They live in different realities, across regions, genders, and social backgrounds.”
Looking ahead, Shettima expressed hope that the second phase would not only generate jobs but also empower a generation to build businesses and lead Nigeria’s economic future.
> “The young Nigerians we seek to serve are not asking for handouts — only for a fair system that recognises effort, rewards merit, and provides opportunity. They are ready to build if we are ready to back them,” he said.
Youth Minister Speaks on Progress
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised the relaunch as a continuation of the government’s youth-focused agenda. He said the programme, which began in 2021, has already supported over 13,000 Nigerian youths with vital skills and work placements.
He expressed confidence that NJFP 2.0 would expand its reach to place 100,000 youths in jobs over the next five years.
UNDP, EU Reaffirm Support
UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, noted that over 40,000 young Nigerians have benefited from the programme to date, thanks to the EU’s generous funding and implementation support from UNDP.
She said the NJFP has become a proven platform for unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s youth.
> “Millions more need this kind of opportunity to thrive in today’s economy,” she added.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gauthier Mignot, called for deeper integration of the programme into Nigeria’s broader governance and development strategies to ensure its sustainability over the long term.
NAN
