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Explore our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for insights into LJLA
The LJLA Fellowship is an initiative by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that empowers young, change-oriented Nigerians with the knowledge, skills, and values to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Vision: To be the foremost fellowship of transformational leaders for public service and governance in Africa.
Mission: To empower vibrant, change-driven individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.
Applicants must:
- Be Nigerian citizens
- Between the ages of 25–35 as at the time of application and during the fellowship.
- 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.
- Innovative Leadership Curriculum
- Participation in Community Projects
- Hands-on Leadership Experience
- Leadership Seminars and Workshops
- Interactive Session With Renowned Leaders
- Local and International Policy Trip
- One-on-One Leadership Coaching
- Alumni Network
The Fellowship is a 12-month (one-year) full-time programme.
- Work Placement - Through these structured placements, fellows have the unique opportunity to serve within key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Lagos State and gain firsthand exposure to public administration, policy formulation, and implementation. This immersive experience bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing fellows to contribute meaningfully to government initiatives while developing practical skills in leadership, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving within the public sector.
- Leadership Seminar: offers dynamic learning sessions designed to deepen fellows' understanding of leadership and prepare them to tackle complex challenges. These sessions blend theory with practical insights, encouraging critical thinking, personal reflection, and strategic problem-solving, facilitated by accomplished leaders, subject matter experts, and seasoned professionals.
- International Policy Trips: expose fellows to global best practices in leadership and governance. These knowledge exchange visits provide valuable insights into how other countries tackle policy challenges, encouraging fellows to adapt innovative solutions to the Nigerian context while expanding their global perspective.
- Community Project: A key component of the Fellowship, where fellows design and implement impactful initiatives aimed at solving real-life problems in their communities.
Alumni Network: The LJLA Alumni Network is a vibrant community of visionary young leaders committed to continuous learning, collaboration, and public impact. Upon completing the Fellowship, alumni gain lifelong access to a strong network, mentorship opportunities, and collective action toward nation-building, both within Nigeria and globally.
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.
Yes, this is a paid Fellowship. You will also be accommodated during the program.
Applications are submitted online via www.ljla.academy. Applicants must fill out the application form and upload the necessary documents.
The application deadline is Saturday, May 17th 2025. We encourage applicants to submit early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Academic certificate(s)
- NYSC or exemption certificate
- Updated CV
- Valid means of identification
- Referee details
- For Public Sector Applicants (Civil Service):
MDA’s Accounting Officer & Head of Department. - For Private Sector Applicants:
Academia and Professional
Application for the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy is FREE and open to all Nigerians who are between 25 to 35 years of age and hold a minimum of an HND or a Bachelor’s degree. Applicants must have completed the National Youth Service Corps or have a certificate of exemption.
This is what we look for:
- Passion for Nation-Building – Are you deeply committed to contributing to the progress and development of your immediate community and the nation?
- Willingness to Serve – Are you willing to embrace leadership responsibilities that push you beyond your comfort zone?
- Commitment to Excellence: Do you have a passion for growth and a desire to thrive in a space that constantly challenges you to reach your full potential?
- Ownership: Do you ‘drive the bus’ in your leadership journey? Do you envision a destination and have the self-belief to take charge towards impact?
- Integrity: Do you lead with honesty, stand by your principles, with a clear sense of right and wrong, even when it's difficult?
- Teamwork: Can you foster collaboration, value diverse perspectives, and contribute to collective success? Do you recognize that transformation is the product of work with and through others?
The selection process for the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Fellowship is highly competitive. Each year, the Academy receives thousands of applications from exceptional young professionals across Nigeria.
All applicants are required to provide the details of two referees as part of the application process.
Public Sector Applicants (i.e., those currently working in the civil service) Ministry, Department, and Agency (MDA):
- Head of Department
- Accounting Officer
Private Sector Applicants (i.e., those not in the civil service) are required to provide the details of:
- Academic Referee: someone who can attest to your intellectual capabilities and validate your educational background.
- Professional Referee: someone who can speak to your work experience, work ethics, and leadership potential.
Upon successful admission into the Fellowship, you will be required to submit official recommendation letters from the referees provided.
Absolutely!
Our fellowship program is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants, including those living with disabilities. Kindly indicate this during the application.
The LJLA Fellowship is a rigorous program necessitating full-time engagement. As such, absolute commitment is required throughout the fellowship, and participants are expressly prohibited from receiving remuneration from any alternative sources.
Stage 1 - Register and apply online
Stage 2 - Computer-Based Test (CBT): Successful applicants from Stage 1 will write aptitude tests that cover candidates' logical thinking, general knowledge, and basic aptitude reasoning skills.
Stage 3 - Leadership Evaluation Hub: At this stage, successful candidates are assessed using a structured competency framework to evaluate their suitability for the Fellowship.
Stage 4 - Leadership Pitch: As part of the selection process, successful candidates from stage 3 are required to upload a three-minute video explaining why they should be admitted into the Fellowship.
For further inquiries, please contact us at applications@ljla.academy or call 09079376182 / 09030843055. Follow us on our Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter) accounts @ljlacademy, also, check our website www.ljla.academy for more information about the fellowship.
Still have any questions?
For inquiries relating to the Lateef Jakande Leadership
Academy or Application process, feel free to contact us.
