Applications are now open for the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship (KIF) to develop and nurture leadership ability across Nigeria, with a specific focus on the promising leaders of the future.

The Fellowship’s objective is to develop and nurture leadership ability across Nigeria, with specific focus on the promising leaders of the future. The one-year Fellowship aims to create a network of high potential young Nigerians who are expected to raise to top leadership positions in the public sector and other spheres of activity over the next decade. The overall mission of the non-partisan programme, as envisioned by Governor Nasir el-Rufai, is in his words, "to raise the next generation of leaders who will most likely be absorbed into the Nigerian public sector having had a first-hand experience of its workings and challenges”.

Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship comprises of four components, namely:

• Work Placement: Engagement in the work of Kaduna State Government lies at the heart of Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship. Work assignments can offer unparalleled experience working with senior administration officials on ever changing issues and challenges. Fellows will spend a year as full-time, paid assistants to senior Government House Staff, Cabinet members and other top-ranking government officials in State Departments and Agencies.
  • Job Assignments: Fellows responsibilities would range from supporting public service delivery, interagency meetings and designing and implementing state government policies, to drafting speeches for government principals to representing their agencies outside Kaduna State. Fellows’ assignments demand a capacity for quick learning and a willingness to work hard, often on issues outside of their area of expertise. Job assignments are made at the commencement of the Fellowship during “Placement Week”.
  • Remuneration: Fellows will receive salary and benefits equivalent to that of a Special Assistant to the Governor. Kashim Ibrahim Fellows CANNOT receives compensation from any other source during their year of government service. Additionally, accommodation will be provided throughout the course of the Fellowship.
• Education Programme: The mandatory Education Programme serves as an important aspect of the Fellowship as it is intended to augment and enhance the workplace experience. Fellows are expected to fully undertake the Education Programme which would include LGA tours, Brown Bag Meetings, Speaker Series, domestic policy trips, an international policy trip, workshops and Aspen Institute styled quarterly seminars. The Speaker Series under the Education Programme increase Fellows’ exposure to renowned leaders from the public and private sectors. Each class will meet with notable global individuals who will improve and enrich their understanding and experience of public service. These interactive sessions generally take place during the week, and are off-the-record, lively and frank
• Community Service: Community service is a key component of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship. Fellows have a strong legacy of service to their communities and participate in community service projects throughout their year in Kaduna Metropolis. Fellows will be expected to pursue projects to assist the urban poor with solid waste management and recycling systems, volunteer teaching, mentoring secondary school students, or participating in the clean-up of local schools etc.
• Fellowship: Perhaps the most enriching component of the programme is class fellowship, which often results in enduring friendships and collaborative ventures. Alumni will convene at yearly meetings in Kaduna hosted by the Governor, to eagerly welcome new Fellows into what they hope would be one of the most prestigious networks of professionals and leaders in the state and their nation. In return for the privilege of participating in the Fellowship year, Fellows are expected to apply what they have learned by contributing to Kaduna State and the nation as greater leaders in their respective communities, professions, and in public service. Fellows are expected to return to their former or new occupations more experienced in public policy, decision-making and better prepared to contribute to state and national affairs, thereby fulfilling the mission of the Fellowship.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nigerian
• Age range 25-35 years (MAXIMUM AGE OF 35 WHEN THE FELLOWSHIP ENDS)
• Graduate from an accredited University
• Completed NYSC

Selection Criteria

• Diversity: The Fellowship will admit Fellows representing diverse ethnic, religious, and gender backgrounds, with varied educational qualifications; working from all angles and with different perspectives to strengthen their communities and civic life.
• An established record of self-discipline, punctuality, dedication, respect, confidentiality and integrity as Fellows MUST embody the change they wish to see in the society.
• Commitment to engaging in crucial issues and to making a difference at the national level.
• Promise of a future career of leadership and notable impact.
• Special capacity for critical, creative, entrepreneurial, and strategic thinking.
• Ability to efficiently work as part of a team.
• Commitment to a rigorous programme of activities and to full-time residence in the Fellows Lodge in Kaduna for the ENTIRE duration of the Fellowship.
• Fellowships are available for individuals who are working to solve important public problems in creative and powerful ways.
• Proficiency in English: Fellows must be fluent in spoken and written English as all programmes will be conducted in English.
• Applicants must be Nigerian citizens between 25 to 35 years of age with a maximum age of 35 years when the fellowship ends in July 2022.
• Have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate degree programme from a recognized University and have completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corp programme.

For more information, visit Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship.