Presidency, UNDP Tackle Youth Unemployment Via Employer/Fellow Scheme

The Presidency through the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) has reinforced efforts to connect talented young Nigerians with meaningful workplace opportunities.

To achieve the goal, it held the NJFP 2.0 Nasarawa Employer and Fellow Engagement in Lafia, the state capital.

The engagement brought together employers, government representatives, host organisations and NJFP fellows in a practical, solutions-driven session aimed at strengthening employer participation, addressing workforce needs and accelerating fellowship placements across Nasarawa State.

NJFP, an initiative of the federal government, is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

It is designed to tackle youth unemployment and underemployment by connecting talented Nigerian graduates with structured workplace opportunities that provide practical experience, skills development, coaching and mentoring.

Through state-level engagements, NJFP seeks to bridge the gap between education and employment by creating stronger connections between employers and young professionals.

During the engagement, the senior special assistant to the President on Delivery and Coordination, Office of the Vice President, Akubo Adegbe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young Nigerians through strategic collaboration among government institutions, employers and development partners.

He said, “Nigeria does not have a talent deficit; it has an opportunity deficit. Across Nasarawa State and indeed across the country, there are talented young people with the intelligence, creativity, and determination to succeed. What many need is access to opportunity, workplace experience, professional networks, and the confidence that comes from being trusted to contribute.

Programmes such as NJFP help bridge that gap and demonstrate what is possible when government, employers, and development partners work together to invest in human capital and economic growth.”

The engagement featured programme updates, direct interview sessions and structured matching opportunities across critical sectors, including agriculture, technology, government, education, business, engineering, sciences, environment, energy, healthcare, social sciences and creative services.

Also addressing participants, head of the inclusive growth unit at UNDP Nigeria and NJFP programme lead, Clare Henshaw, stressed the importance of building stronger workforce ecosystems through collaboration between employers and emerging talent.

“Workforce development happens where opportunity meets talent. This engagement provides a platform for employers and fellows to connect directly, discuss workforce needs, and identify pathways for placement, mentorship, and professional growth.

“Our goal is to ensure that talented young Nigerians have access to meaningful opportunities while helping employers build the workforce they need to grow and succeed”, she said.

The managing director of the Nasarawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (NASITDEA), Mr Haruna Sani Sani, commended the programme’s impact on public institutions and the state’s broader development agenda, noting that fellows have continued to add value through innovation and professionalism.

He said, “The government of Nasarawa State remains committed to creating opportunities that enable our young people to thrive. Through our participation in the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, we have witnessed firsthand the value that fellows bring to public institutions.

“Their innovation, professionalism, digital skills, and fresh perspectives have contributed meaningfully to our work and strengthened our capacity to deliver results. We look forward to expanding these opportunities and continuing our partnership with NJFP to empower more young people across the state,” he said.