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Explore our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for insights into the Fellowship Programme
The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) Fellowship is a fully funded, twelve-month leadership development programme designed to nurture Nigeria’s next generation of ethical, visionary, and impact-driven leaders.
Vision: A society transformed by the leadership of young people.
Mission: To create a pipeline of values-driven leaders equipped to tackle complex societal challenges and drive transformative impact across sectors.
Applicants must:
- Be a Nigerian citizens
- Between the ages of 25–35 as at the time of application.
- 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 Trips
- One-on-One Leadership Coaching
- Alumni Network
The Fellowship is a 12-month (one-year) full-time programme.
1. Leadership Development
The programme includes a rich curriculum of seminars and interactive learning experiences covering leadership theory, ethical governance, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive decision-making. This component also features dynamic sessions such as brown bag discussions, fireside chats with seasoned leaders, personalised coaching, and quarterly leadership seminars.
2. Work Placement
Fellows are placed within key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Lagos State Government as Special Assistants, where they contribute directly to policy formulation, project implementation, and governance processes. This immersive placement offers firsthand exposure to the workings of government and allows Fellows to apply leadership principles in real time.
3. Community Project
Each Fellow conceptualises and leads a high-impact community initiative tailored to address a real-world challenge. These projects promote civic engagement and social impact, enabling Fellows to translate leadership theory into tangible benefits for communities.
4. Fellowship Network
Beyond the year of formal learning, Fellows become part of a vibrant LJLA Alumni Network, a community of values-based leaders committed to lifelong learning, collaboration, mentorship, and positive change across sectors.
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. Fellows will reside in a fully furnished apartment for the duration of the programme.
Applications are submitted online via www.ljla.academy. Applicants must fill out the application form and upload the necessary documents.
The application is currently Closed.
- 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 programme 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 programme 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.
