Young Nigerians seeking leadership development and mentorship opportunities can now apply for the Dr Fola Aina Fellowship program, as applications have officially opened for the second cohort of the program.
The Dr Fola Aina Fellowship program is a structured leadership and mentorship program designed to identify, support, and empower young Nigerians who are committed to driving growth, strengthening credible governance, and promoting peace and security across the country.
According to the organizers, the fellowship program is open to Nigerian citizens between the ages of 21 and 35 years, with exceptional applicants aged 18 to 21 also considered. The program targets young leaders from diverse sectors who are ready to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The fellowship will select seven outstanding young leaders to participate in a comprehensive leadership development experience tailored to equip fellows with practical skills, strategic thinking, and sector-specific leadership capacity.
What the Dr Fola Aina Fellowship program Offers
Selected fellows will undergo a six-week Leadership Development Experience, featuring immersive learning sessions focused on one of three thematic areas:
- Leadership in Business
- Leadership in Social Development
- Leadership in Governance
The programme combines academic sessions, a strengths-based common leadership curriculum, and cultural activities, all designed to prepare fellows for real-world leadership challenges in their communities and professional fields.
In addition, all fellows will participate in the Dr. Fola Aina Annual Colloquium on Youth, Leadership and Nation Building, scheduled to hold in Abuja, Nigeria, in December. The high-level colloquium will bring together young leaders and key stakeholders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Selected fellows will also have the opportunity to deliver talks and engage in strategic discussions at the event.
Fellows will further engage in volunteering activities with program partners, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and apply leadership insights acquired during the fellowship. The program also offers extensive networking opportunities, connecting fellows with peers across Nigeria and integrating them into a growing alumni network of young leaders making impact nationwide.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Dr Fola Aina Fellowship program, applicants must:
- Be a Nigerian citizen
- Have resided in Nigeria for at least six months prior to application
- Be between 21 and 35 years of age on or before the application deadline (exceptional applicants aged 18–21 may be considered)
- Be willing to commit at least three hours weekly to fellowship activities
- Be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English
- Not be an employee or immediate family member of an employee of the Triola Aina Foundation
- Not be an alumnus of the Dr Fola Aina Fellowship
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates are encouraged to apply online via the official fellowship application portal at www.triolafoundation.com/fellowship/
Application deadline is 31st December, 2025.
Young Nigerians with a passion for leadership, governance, business, and social development are advised to apply early and take advantage of this opportunity to join a growing community of emerging leaders shaping Nigeria’s future.
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