No less than 350,000 Nigerian youths as well as over 9,000 companies have registered to participate in the Jubilee Fellowship Programme of the the Federal Government.
Country Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Nigeria, Mohamed Yahya disclosed this in Abuja, while answering questions from newsmen.
Yahya briefed newsmen along with Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa at the end of her official visit to Nigeria.
He said that the Fellowship which is being financed by the UNDP was launched on Aug. 31, by President Muhammadu Buhari, while the portal for registration opened on October 6.
NAN reports that the fellowship programme seeks to connect talented graduates with local job opportunities that apply their expertise, while equipping them with world-class practical knowledge and relevant skills.
Speaking further, the UN country Representative said that he expected more youths and companies to apply before the close of the portal on October 20.
“By Oct. 6, the Jubilee Fellow application had started and it will close on the Oct 20 and more than 350,000 youths have applied.
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“That is phenomenal and it also tells you the need out there. We expect more application by the time we get to Oct. 20 which is in five days.
“For this to work, we need companies to also sign up, so far we have over 9,000 companies that have signed up.
“This also tells you that the private sector understand the importance of bridging this education and skills gap and making sure that we absorb as many of these young people as possible,” he said.
He expressed confidence that although the closing date was near, more Nigerians and companies would apply.
“We just started but we are confident, especially with the commitment of the President.
“It is a government initiative but UNDP will provide all the technical and financial requirements,” he added.
“The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) is a youth empowerment partnership initiative between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
