There’s a strong push among Nigerian youths to take charge and make a difference in the country.

Many are passionate about leading and initiating positive changes.

However, some important questions remain: do they have the right skills and knowledge to excel in leadership roles? Do they have proper role models to guide them, and do they fully understand the importance of leading themselves before they can lead others?

LEAP Africa’s Initiative to Empower Young Leaders

To help address this gap, LEAP Africa has created the Youth Leadership Development Programme.

This initiative is aimed at equipping Nigerian undergraduates with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources they need to play an active role in nation-building, community development, and policy advocacy.

Calling All Nigerian Undergraduates Passionate About Change

Are you an undergraduate in Nigeria who is eager to drive meaningful change in your community? Do you have ideas to speak up on key national issues? The Nigerian Youth Futures Fund Youth Leadership Development Programme 2025 is your opportunity to step up and become an activist for social change!

The 2025 Cohort has two main focus areas, and if you’re interested in becoming a member, you are invited to submit a project proposal that aligns with one of these themes.

Focus Areas for 2025 Cohort

Facilitating Good Governance

Transparency & Accountability in Governance
Do you have a project idea that encourages your community to demand accountability from those in power? Your project could be a catalyst for transparency in governance.

Voter Education
With the 2027 National elections approaching, it’s crucial for your community to understand their rights as voters.

Does your student community know how elections work, both on a national level and within your institution? What can you do to improve election processes in your school?

National Policy Engagement
Do people in your community know about the National Youth Policy? Are there policy reforms you believe can make a difference? How can you advocate for better policies within your institution?

Social Media Advocacy
How would you use social media to promote important governance issues and amplify student voices on decisions that affect university administration and national policies?

Resolving Fundamental National Questions

Group Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding
Do you have an idea for fostering unity in your community? How can you address communal or inter-tribal conflicts in your area?

Gender & Social Inclusion
Do you have a project that will advocate for inclusive policies on your campus or in any other community you’re passionate about?

Civic Rights Awareness
Can your project help raise awareness about civic rights? Can you empower your community members to stand up against injustice, both on campus and beyond?

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the programme, applicants must:

Be between 18-35 years of age
Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate at any tertiary institution in Nigeria
Be available for the full five-month duration of the program
Commit to at least 85% participation in the program
Have access to a working mobile phone, personal computer, and stable internet
Provide proof of current studentship (e.g., course form or student ID)
Be open to travel during the program (considerations will be made to avoid significant academic disruption)

All selected participants must also complete 10 compulsory virtual courses before moving on to the specialized track divisions of their choice.

Programme Benefits

By joining this programme, participants will enjoy:

Leadership training and mentorship from top social innovators and policy experts
Access to micro-grants for community change projects
A chance to participate in national debates on critical policy issues
Recognition as a youth leader making an impact in Nigeria
A vibrant network of passionate, young change-makers
Grants ranging from N200,000 to N2.5 million for projects and other prizes

Deadline for Applications

Make sure to submit your application by March 14, 2025.

This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to drive social change and make your mark as a leader in Nigeria.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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