By Olufemi ONI, Ilorin
The Federal Government has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) to connect no fewer than 203 fresh graduates to local job opportunities (host organisations) in the last one year.
This took place between 2024 and 2025, it was gathered.
The programme, an initiative of the Federal Government, is being facilitated by UNDP and co-funded by the EU.
The programme, named Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), is being implemented by Talent Management Company (TMC).
The Project, Manager of the TMC, Yomi Olufiade, disclosed this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, during a town hall meeting with host organisations and fresh graduates (fellows).
Mr Olufiade added: “It is a transformative youth empowerment initiative designed to address youth unemployment by connecting talented graduates with local job opportunities to strengthen their expertise while equipping them with world-class practical knowledge and relevant skills.
“The number from Kwara State reveals 154 new host organisations registered and 119 organisations found eligible; 203 fellows matched with 32 host organisations and 90 fellows resumed their fellowship.”
The Project Manager said: “TMC and implementing partner since July 2024 when we were onboarded/engaged as the TMC for North Central region comprising six States in Nigeria (Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Kwara) and the FCT; we have registered 798 new host organisations, visited 759 host organisations, verified and found 431 host organisations eligible, matched 857 Fellows with about 127 host organisations and 420 fellows resumed their fellowship in the North Central region.
“It is a commitment to tackling the pressing challenges of youth unemployment while cultivating a generation of leaders equipped with world-class skills, practical expertise, and the confidence to shape Nigeria’s destiny.
“Through the NJFP, we are making sure their voices are heard, their skills are sharpened, and their contributions to national development are celebrated.
“To the Federal Government of Nigeria, the UNDP, and all our host organisations/partners; your immense dedication to this cause and commitment to empowering Nigerian youths is not only commendable but transformative.”
In her remarks, North Central Region Focal Person of the programme, Memunat Manzuma revealed that 20,000 fresh graduates registered nationwide, when the programme was introduced in 2021.
She added that the vision is aimed at seeing how fresh graduates can garner experience after the mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
Beneficiaries and host organisations took turn to applaud the initiative.
A beneficiary, AbdulFatai Olayiwola, said: “The initiative was a life changing opportunity. I have applied the knowledge I acquired in the programme to my business.”
Also, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kwara Tech Academy Oludele Ayobami, described the initiative as amazing and transformative.