Apply for the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 for Young Nigerians (Fully Funded)

Application Deadline: May 16, 2026

About the Fellowship

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Fellowship Programme. Established in honour of the enduring legacy of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, Lagos State’s first civilian governor, LJLA is committed to preparing change-driven individuals by equipping them with technical expertise and a strong foundation in integrity, innovation, and public service. The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) Fellowship is a fully funded, twelve-month leadership development programme designed to nurture Nigeria’s next generation of ethical, visionary, and impact-driven leaders. It provides young Nigerians with deep exposure to public governance, practical leadership experience, strategic learning, and a supportive community that accelerates personal and professional growth. The Fellowship at its core, bridges theory and practice, equipping Fellows to lead with integrity, address systemic challenges, and serve society effectively. The programme is full-time and merit-based, offering a transformative journey into the heart of public service and leadership.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Nigerian citizen
• Be between the ages of 25–35 as at the time of application
• Hold a minimum of an HND or a Bachelor’s degree
• Have at least two years of work experience
• Possess an NYSC or Exemption Certificate
• For civil servants: be within Grade Level 8–12

Fellowship Benefits

Core Programme Components:

• Innovative Leadership Curriculum – Seminars and interactive learning covering leadership theory, ethical governance, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive decision-making
• Participation in Community Projects – Each Fellow conceptualises and leads a high-impact community initiative addressing real-world challenges
• Hands-on Leadership Experience – Direct exposure to public governance and policy implementation
• Leadership Seminars and Workshops – Dynamic sessions including brown bag discussions, fireside chats with seasoned leaders, and quarterly leadership seminars
• Interactive Sessions With Renowned Leaders – Opportunities to learn from experienced public servants and thought leaders
• Local and International Policy Trips – Exposure to governance models and best practices beyond Lagos State
• One-on-One Leadership Coaching – Personalised coaching to support individual leadership development
• Alumni Network – Lifelong membership in the LJLA Alumni Network, a community of values-based leaders committed to collaboration and positive change

Paid Fellowship:

• A paid fellowship – Fellows receive financial support throughout the programme
• Fully furnished accommodation – Fellows reside in a fully furnished apartment for the duration of the programme

Programme Structure: Four Core Components

The Fellowship is intentionally designed around four interconnected components that together create a holistic leadership experience:

1. Leadership Development: The programme includes a rich curriculum of seminars and interactive learning experiences covering leadership theory, ethical governance, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive decision-making. This component also features dynamic sessions such as brown bag discussions, fireside chats with seasoned leaders, personalised coaching, and quarterly leadership seminars.

2. Work Placement: Fellows are placed within key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Lagos State Government as Special Assistants, where they contribute directly to policy formulation, project implementation, and governance processes. This immersive placement offers firsthand exposure to the workings of government and allows Fellows to apply leadership principles in real time.

3. Community Project: Each Fellow conceptualises and leads a high-impact community initiative tailored to address a real-world challenge. These projects promote civic engagement and social impact, enabling Fellows to translate leadership theory into tangible benefits for communities.

4. Fellowship Network; Beyond the year of formal learning, Fellows become part of a vibrant LJLA Alumni Network, a community of values-based leaders committed to lifelong learning, collaboration, mentorship, and positive change across sectors.

Commitment

The program is full-time. Fellows are expected to commit fully for its entire duration, as the key components are intensive, such as work placements, leadership seminars, policy trips, mentorship engagements, and community projects.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Fellowship is named after one of Nigeria’s most respected public servants, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, whose tenure as Lagos State’s first civilian governor was marked by integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to public service. His legacy includes the construction of thousands of classrooms, the establishment of the Lagos State University (LASU), and the creation of a robust public housing scheme. This fellowship carries forward that legacy by developing a new generation of leaders who understand that public service is a calling, not a career. It provides:

• Hands-on government experience – Working directly within Lagos State MDAs as Special Assistants
• Practical leadership training – Moving beyond theory to real-world application
• Mentorship from experienced leaders – Learning from those who have navigated the complexities of public governance
• A supportive community – Connecting with like-minded peers committed to ethical leadership
• Fully funded, paid experience – Removing financial barriers to participation

For young Nigerians who aspire to lead in the public sector, civil society, or private sector, this fellowship offers a transformative year that will shape their leadership journey for decades to come.

How to Apply

Click on the link to the application website to apply.

Application Link: Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Fellowship Programme