Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship 2026 Cohort 2 For Nigerian Next-Gen Leaders

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Applications are open for Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship 2026 Cohort 2. A leadership and mentorship program open to all young Nigerians between the ages of 21 and 35 years. The fellowship supports young Nigerian leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen credible governance, and enhance peace and security across Nigeria.

The fellowship supports the next generation of young Nigerian leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen credible governance, and enhance peace and security across Nigeria. Fellows undergo immersive leadership development experiences with a focus on skills development in one of three tracks: Leadership in Business, Leadership in Social Development, or Leadership in Governance.

All Fellows will participate in the Dr. Fola Aina Annual Colloquium on Youth, Leadership and Nation Building offering an opportunity for Fellows to participate in a variety of sessions, with selected Fellows delivering talks at the event. Fellows will develop their leadership skills and be empowered to lead effectively in their respective sectors and communities.

Benefits of the Dr Fola Aina Fellowship Programme.

Personal mentorship sessions with Dr Fola Aina.
Invitation to the Dr Fola Aina Annual Colloquium.
Seed grant support for business/initiative.
Exclusive Annual Dinner with Dr Fola Aina.
Opportunity to serve as Ambassadors of TAF.
One Free laptop or tablet.
TAF branded stationaries such as T-shirts, mugs, books, pens, and bags.
Virtual internship placements with TAF for up to 6 months (optional).

Fellowship Details

The fellowship will bring together 7 young leaders for a comprehensive leadership program that is designed to build skills and empower Fellows to lead in their respective sectors and communities. The Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship includes:

A six-week Leadership Development Experience: Fellows participate in immersive leadership development experiences with focus on skills development in one of three themes: Leadership in Business, Leadership in Social Development, or Leadership in Governance. The intensive six-week model uses leadership development as the framework to create links between academic sessions, a strengths-based Common Leadership Curriculum, and cultural activities. Fellows in all three themes will acquire relevant knowledge and practical skills that empower them for impact in their respective sectors and communities.
A Colloquium in Abuja, Nigeria: All Fellows will participate in the Dr. Fola Aina Annual Colloquium on Youth, Leadership and Nation Building. The high-level colloquium offers an opportunity for fellows to participate in a variety of sessions, with selected fellows delivering talks at the event. They will have the opportunity to network with each other and with Nigerian leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The Summit will take place in December.
Volunteering Activities: Fellows will be tasked to embark on volunteering activities with Programme Partners, offering fellows firsthand and practical experience of the insights gained during the Leadership Development Experience.
Networking: Fellows will have the opportunity to network with other fellows from around the country, as well as become part of a growing alumni body of young leaders that are transforming Nigeria across diverse sectors.

Eligibility Criteria for Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship

The Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship is open to young Nigerians who meet the following criteria:

Must be a Nigerian citizen;
Must have been resident in Nigeria for at least six months prior to application;
Must be between ages 21 and 35 years on or before the application deadline, although exceptional applicants ages 18-21 will be considered;
Must be male or female;
Must be able and willing to commit at least 3 hours weekly to the fellowship activities, webinars, case studies, team activities and assignments.
Are not employees or immediate family members of employees of the Triola Aina Foundation;
Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English; and
Are not alumni of the Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship.