Nigeria Graduate Fellowship with N150,000 Monthly Stipend: How to Apply for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme NJFP 2026

If you’re a fresh graduate in Nigeria right now, you already know the vibe: the job market can feel like a crowded bus at Oshodi—everyone’s trying to squeeze in, and the conductor is shouting “move back” like space is infinite. You’re told to “get experience,” but the entry roles want experience. You’re told to “network,” but nobody tells you where the room is—or how to get invited.

That’s why the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2026 matters. It’s built for that awkward, high-stakes gap between “I just finished school” and “I have a real career path.” And unlike a lot of opportunities that promise exposure and deliver stress, NJFP comes with something practical: a monthly stipend of N150,000 for the duration of the fellowship.

But the real value is bigger than the stipend. NJFP is designed to push you into the kind of structured work exposure that makes your CV stop looking like a list of hopes and start looking like a track record. You’ll get employability training, mentorship, and placement support that’s meant to connect you to real roles across the public and private sectors.

This is not a “fill this form and pray” type of opportunity. It’s competitive, and you should treat it like a serious career move—because that’s exactly what it can become.

NJFP 2026 At a Glance

What the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme Actually Offers (And Why It’s Worth Your Time)

Let’s start with the obvious: N150,000 monthly is not pocket change. For many fellows, it’s the difference between “I can focus on this opportunity” and “I have to abandon it for survival.” It gives you breathing room—transport, data, decent clothes for work, the small but constant costs of showing up like a professional.

Now the part people underestimate: employability training. That phrase can sound like another workshop where someone tells you to “be confident” and “write a good CV.” NJFP is positioned to do more than that. The goal is to help you align your skills with what employers are actually hiring for. Think of it as moving from “I studied X” to “I can do Y, Z, and here’s proof.”

Then there’s mentorship. Good mentorship is like having Google Maps in an unfamiliar city. You can still get there without it, but you’ll waste time, miss turns, and end up arguing with yourself at roundabouts. A mentor can help you translate your strengths into a career strategy: what roles to target, what skills to build next, and what habits make you stand out once you’re inside an organisation.

Finally, the programme is designed as a bridge into work opportunities—not just training for training’s sake. That matters because the first credible work experience often changes everything: it strengthens your CV, gives you referees who can vouch for you, and exposes you to real workplace expectations (deadlines, collaboration, communication—yes, even the dreaded meeting culture).

If you’re serious about getting on a career track instead of running in circles, NJFP is the kind of fellowship that can compress years of “trial and error” into a structured, supported launch.

Who Should Apply for NJFP 2026 (Eligibility, Explained Like a Human)

NJFP is built for fresh Nigerian graduates who are ready to work but need a real opening. The official requirements are straightforward, but it helps to see what they look like in real life.

You’re eligible if you’re a Nigerian citizen, you completed a Bachelor’s degree or HND, and you graduated not earlier than 2022. In other words: they want people who are still “new” enough that the programme can shape their early career, not people who’ve been in the market for a decade and are trying to rebrand.

Your academic results matter too. For Bachelor’s degree holders, the minimum stated is Second Class Lower (2:2). For HND holders, you’ll need Upper Credit (commonly indicated as above 3.00, depending on grading). This requirement is not there to punish anyone—it’s simply their way of narrowing a large crowd.

Age-wise, you need to be 30 years old or younger. And crucially, you must not currently be employed. NJFP is targeting unemployed graduates who can commit fully to the fellowship experience.

You must also have completed NYSC or have an exemption certificate. No shortcuts here. If your NYSC documentation isn’t ready, plan around that before you apply.

Beyond the checkboxes, NJFP is looking for people who can demonstrate two things: commitment to a career path (even if you’re still exploring) and interest in contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. That second phrase can sound fluffy, but it’s basically asking: do you care about impact, service, or building something that improves how people live and work?

You’re a strong fit if you sound like any of these:

• A 2022–2025 graduate who’s done courses, volunteering, internships, or small projects, but hasn’t landed stable work yet.
• A grad who’s smart and motivated, but needs credible workplace exposure and professional structure.
• Someone who can communicate clearly and show maturity—because workplaces reward reliability more than vibes.

What NJFP Is Likely Looking For (Even When They Don’t Say It Loudly)

Most fellowship programmes filter people in two stages: first by eligibility, then by “would I want to place this person with a serious employer?”

That means NJFP will likely pay attention to signals like:

• Can you write clearly and professionally?
• Do you show up prepared (documents correct, details consistent, no sloppy errors)?
• Have you made any effort to build skills beyond your degree (online courses, volunteering, internships, personal projects)?
• Do you understand what kind of work you want to do—or at least what direction you’re trying to move in?

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being credible.

Insider Tips for a Winning NJFP Application (The Stuff That Separates You From the Crowd)

1) Treat your application like a job application, not a raffle ticket

Many people rush fellowship forms and dump generic answers. Don’t. NJFP exists to place graduates into real work environments. If your form reads like you copied it from a motivational poster, you’ll blend into the pile.

Write like you’re already a professional—clear, specific, calm.

2) Pick a career direction and defend it with evidence

You don’t need to have everything figured out, but you need a direction. “I’m interested in tech” is too wide. “I’m targeting entry-level data analytics roles and I’ve completed two Excel/Power BI projects” is better.

If you studied Biochemistry but want to work in product management, that can be fine—just show the bridge: courses taken, communities joined, projects done, or problems you’ve solved that match that path.

3) Use the simple formula: Skill + Proof + Result

Whenever you claim a skill, attach proof.
Instead of “I have leadership skills,” try: “I coordinated a 6-person project team for our final year research, kept timelines, and we submitted two days early.”

Proof doesn’t need to be glamorous. It needs to be real.

4) Make your NYSC and degree documentation spotless

They specifically mention a notarized degree certificate and NYSC discharge/exemption documentation. Missing or unclear documents are an easy way to get dropped early.

Scan documents clearly. Name files properly (e.g., Surname_DegreeCertificate.pdf). Avoid blurry photos, cut-off edges, or unreadable stamps.

5) Show employability, not just intelligence

A 2:1 doesn’t automatically mean you’ll do well in an organisation. Employers (and fellowship managers) love these traits: reliability, communication, time management, and teamwork.

If the application has essay questions, include short examples of how you’ve shown those traits—class projects, volunteer work, student leadership, community work, internships, even running a small side hustle.

6) Build a “mini-portfolio,” even if your field isn’t creative

A portfolio isn’t only for designers. If you’re in:

• Data/tech: link GitHub, a simple project write-up, or dashboards.
• Writing/comms: link published articles, LinkedIn posts, or a PDF of writing samples.
• Public health: link a short report, research summary, or community project documentation.
• Business/marketing: link campaign concepts, market research summaries, or case studies.

You’re trying to make it easy for reviewers to picture you succeeding.

7) Get someone serious to review your application before you submit

Not your friend who says “it’s fine.” Find someone who will actually point out unclear sentences, missing logic, and weak examples. If you can, ask a hiring manager, a senior colleague, or a lecturer with industry exposure.

A 20-minute review can fix the kind of mistakes that quietly kill applications.

Application Timeline (Working Backward When the Deadline Is Unspecified)

Because the deadline is not stated, you should assume rolling review or a closing date that could appear with little warning. Your best strategy is speed with quality.

Here’s a realistic plan you can follow over two to three weeks:

In the first 2–3 days, gather your core documents: your degree certificate (and sort out notarization if required), NYSC discharge or exemption certificate, and a clean CV. If you’re missing anything, deal with it immediately—document delays are the silent killer of Nigerian applications.

Over the next week, focus on your narrative: what career track you want, what skills you have, and what evidence you can point to. If the form asks questions about commitment or impact, draft answers in a separate document first. Don’t write directly inside the portal and risk losing work.

In the final week, review everything like a recruiter. Check for inconsistent dates, spelling errors, mismatched names, and vague claims. Then submit early—because portals can misbehave at the worst times, and you don’t want your future held hostage by a loading spinner.

Required Materials (And How to Prepare Them Without Stress)

NJFP specifically mentions two required documents:

• Degree Certificate (Notarized)
• NYSC Certificate / Exemption Certificate

Prepare them as high-quality PDFs. If you only have photos, convert them to PDF and ensure they’re readable. If notarization is required in practice (not just “recommended”), handle that early—because getting documents notarized can take time depending on location and availability.

Even if the portal doesn’t demand it upfront, you should also have a clean, updated CV ready. Keep it tight: one page is fine for most fresh graduates, two pages if you have internships and projects worth detailing. Use active language and concrete outcomes where possible.

Also keep a short “personal statement” draft ready—about 150–250 words on who you are, what you want to do, and why you’re a good fit. Many applications ask versions of that question, and having a polished answer saves you from last-minute panic.

What Makes an Application Stand Out (How Reviewers Think)

Reviewers typically score applications on a mix of eligibility, readiness, and potential. NJFP is designed to connect graduates to real employers, so think about what reduces risk for them.

A standout application usually has clarity (you know what you want), evidence (you’ve started building relevant skills), and professional maturity (you communicate well, manage time, and take responsibility).

They’ll likely favor candidates who can explain their career interests without sounding like they’re guessing. “I want to work in operations because I’ve managed logistics for a student conference and I enjoy process improvement” beats “I’m open to anything.”

They’ll also notice sincerity. If you talk about contributing to Nigeria’s development, connect it to something specific: improving healthcare delivery, strengthening financial inclusion, building better public services, helping SMEs grow, improving education outcomes. Big dreams are fine—just tie them to real problems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)

One common mistake is applying with a vague career goal. If your application reads like you’re applying because you saw “N150,000 stipend,” it will show. Fix it by picking one or two role families and aligning your examples accordingly.

Another frequent issue is messy documentation—crooked scans, unreadable stamps, missing pages. Reviewers don’t have time to guess what your documents say. Fix it by scanning properly and checking legibility before uploading.

People also sabotage themselves with exaggerated claims. If you say you’re an “expert” at something and can’t back it up with projects or experience, you create doubt. It’s better to say you’re “proficient” and show proof than to brag and look careless.

Then there’s the “copy-and-paste motivation letter.” Reviewers can smell generic writing from a mile away. If your answer could be used for 20 other fellowships, it’s too general. Add details that are clearly yours: your course of study, your projects, your local context, and the kind of work you’re actively pursuing.

Finally, don’t wait for an official deadline. When deadlines are unspecified, late applications often aren’t “late”—they’re simply never seen. Apply early.

Frequently Asked Questions (NJFP 2026)

Is the NJFP stipend really N150,000 per month?

The programme states a monthly stipend of N150,000 NGN for the duration of the fellowship. Always read the official page carefully for any updates, duration details, or conditions.

Can I apply if I graduated before 2022?

Based on the stated criteria, applicants should have graduated not earlier than 2022. If you graduated before that, you likely won’t be eligible for this cycle.

Do I need to be employed to apply?

No—actually, it’s the opposite. The criteria state you must not currently be engaged in any employment. The programme is targeting unemployed fresh graduates.

What if I have not completed NYSC yet?

The requirement says you must have completed NYSC or have an exemption certificate. If you’re still serving, you should wait until you can provide the required documentation—unless the official portal guidance says otherwise.

Does my course of study matter?

NJFP indicates it’s open to graduates from any discipline. What will matter most is how you present your skills, interests, and readiness to perform in a work environment.

Is this only for people in Lagos or Abuja?

The listing doesn’t specify location restrictions. However, placements may depend on where partner organisations operate and where you can realistically work. Check the portal and any official FAQs for placement details.

What does notarized degree certificate mean?

Notarization generally means an authorized official verifies the document as a true copy. If you’re unsure about the process, ask a legal practitioner/notary public in your area. Don’t guess—get it done correctly.

Can I apply more than once?

The source doesn’t specify multi-application rules. Typically, you submit one application per cycle. If you applied in a previous year and weren’t selected, you can often try again in a new cycle—confirm on the official NJFP site.

How to Apply for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme NJFP 2026

Because the deadline is unspecified, your smartest move is simple: apply as soon as your documents are ready, not when you “feel ready.” Get your degree certificate in order (including notarization if required), confirm you have your NYSC discharge/exemption certificate, and prepare a CV that looks like you’re ready to step into a professional role tomorrow—not next year.

Then, complete the portal registration carefully. Use an email address you check daily, keep your phone number active, and write down your login details somewhere safe. If the portal includes written questions, draft your answers in a separate document first, proofread them, and paste them in cleanly.

Finally, after submission, keep an eye on your email and check the portal periodically for updates. If you get invited to any assessments or interviews, prepare like it’s a real job interview—because in many ways, it is.

Ready to apply? Visit the official opportunity page here:
https://portal.njfp.ng/login/?redirect=%2Flregistration%2F