Nigerian youth are at a turning point—full of potential, eager to lead, and ready to drive change. But are they fully equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to lead effectively? Do they understand the foundations of leadership—starting with themselves before influencing others?
To bridge this gap, LEAP Africa has designed the Youth Leadership Development Programme (YLDP) under the Nigerian Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) to empower undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary institutions with the necessary leadership skills, resources, and mentorship to champion social change.
If you are a Nigerian undergraduate passionate about governance, policy advocacy, and community development, this is your opportunity to become a force for national transformation.
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What is the Nigerian Youth Futures Fund Youth Leadership Development Program?
The NYFF Youth Leadership Development Programme 2025 is a prestigious initiative designed to train, mentor, and equip young Nigerian undergraduates with leadership skills, policy engagement techniques, and advocacy strategies to help them address pressing national issues.
This program offers a five-month intensive training where participants will gain hands-on experience in governance, policy reforms, digital advocacy, and conflict resolution while implementing impactful projects within their communities.
Thematic Focus Areas for the 2025 Cohort
This year’s cohort will focus on two key areas. Applicants must submit a project proposal under one of these themes:
1. Facilitating Good Governance
Young leaders play a critical role in fostering transparent governance and accountability. This track is designed for students passionate about policy engagement, civic rights, and governance reforms.
- Transparency & Accountability in Governance
- Develop projects that empower communities to demand accountability from leaders.
- Voter Education
- Educate community members about their voting rights ahead of the 2027 national elections.
- Raise awareness about student elections and advocate for electoral reforms in tertiary institutions.
- National Policy Engagement
- Help communities understand and engage with the National Youth Policy and other national frameworks.
- Identify policy gaps and propose reforms that benefit young people.
- Social Media Advocacy
- Use digital platforms to amplify governance issues.
- Advocate for increased student participation in university administration and national decision-making.
2. Resolving Fundamental National Questions
Social harmony and national unity are key to Nigeria’s development. This track is for students who want to promote peacebuilding, gender inclusion, and civic rights awareness.
- Group Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding
- Develop initiatives that promote unity and address inter-tribal or communal conflicts.
- Gender & Social Inclusion
- Advocate for policies that promote gender equality and inclusivity on campus and in other communities.
- Civic Rights Awareness
- Educate community members on their civic rights and responsibilities.
- Provide support to students facing injustice within and outside campuses.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Youth Leadership Development Programme 2025, applicants must:
✔ Be 18-35 years old
✔ Be an undergraduate student at a Nigerian tertiary institution
✔ Be available for the five-month program duration
✔ Commit to at least 85% participation in all program activities
✔ Have a working mobile phone or computer and stable internet access
✔ Show proof of studentship (student ID or course registration form)
✔ Be open to travel when required
✔ Complete 10 compulsory virtual courses before moving into specialized tracks
Benefits of the Youth Leadership Development Programme 2025
✔ Leadership Training & Mentorship – Learn from top social innovators and policy experts.
✔ Micro-Grants for Community Projects – Access funding to implement social impact initiatives.
✔ National Policy Debates – Engage in discussions on key policy issues affecting youth.
✔ Youth Leadership Recognition – Get acknowledged as a changemaker in Nigeria.
✔ Network with Like-Minded Youths – Connect with passionate young leaders across the country.
✔ Financial Support – Receive grants ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦2.5 million for projects and outstanding contributions.
Why You Should Apply
This program is more than just leadership training; it’s a launchpad for young Nigerians who want to make a real impact. If you are passionate about advocacy, governance, or community development, this opportunity will provide you with the resources and network to scale your vision.
