The Federal Government says it will employ 20,000 graduates who completed the mandatory one-year National Youth Service (NYSC) annually through its newly launched Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP).
President Muhammadu Buhari disclosed this while launching the scheme at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.
He said the programme, a youth empowerment partnership initiative between the federal government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), would provide an opportunity for mentors who were already engaged in various industries, gained relevant experience and built capacity over the years to provide mentorship and support for young Nigerians.
“Beyond the skills and work experience, we will be building a new culture of mentorship and guidance that can chart a new course for skills development and work experience in our country,” he said.
“We believe that as this programme creates new opportunities for 20,000 recent graduates annually, the beneficiaries will use the opportunities presented to them and maximize their 12 months of engagement.”
Buhari said the jubilee programme will provide a pathway for young Nigerians to gain work experience in top tier organisations, gain relevant skills and build the right networks for the future in various sectors, including information and communications technology,
financial services, trade, manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing.
“We believe that building the right skills and experiences across these sectors are important to sustain the economic growth we are experiencing,’’ the president said.
He said the programme will build on other efforts of the government to support young Nigerians.
Buhari urged eligible Nigerians to apply for the programme. He also urged the private sector to join by providing work placement opportunities, mentors and funding.
