Lagos— The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) is now accepting applications for its 2025/2026 Fellowship programme. This fully funded, one-year programme is designed to shape the next generation of Nigerian leaders through direct exposure to governance, ethical leadership training, and immersive public service experiences.

Founded by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in honour of the legacy of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the Academy provides a rigorous and holistic platform for young Nigerians committed to nation-building. It offers a distinctive alternative to traditional leadership training by placing Fellows directly within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Lagos State Government, where they serve as Special Assistants. In these roles, Fellows work closely with senior government officials and contribute meaningfully to policy design, project execution, and public sector innovation.

 This hands-on experience is complemented by strategic mentorship, exposing Fellows to real-time governance challenges and fostering leadership through action.

Throughout the Fellowship year, participants engage in a comprehensive leadership development experience. Fellows take part in candid Fireside Chats with policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, where conversations are held under the Chatham House Rule to encourage honest, reflective dialogue. They also participate in the Brown Bag Series, which consists of closed-door sessions with MDA leaders, designed to provide practical insights into public administration, institutional mandates, and operational strategy.

In addition to these engagements, Fellows attend workshops and seminars covering emotional intelligence, governance innovation, strategic communication, ethical decision-making, and resilience in leadership. Each Fellow is required to complete a capstone project, a community-based initiative that translates their learning into practical, high-impact service in Lagos. They also take part in local government tours to observe leadership at the grassroots level and deepen their understanding of citizen engagement and decentralized governance.

To broaden global perspectives, Fellows travel on international policy trips to study governance models and public sector best practices in other countries. They also participate in the Greater Lagos Insights Radio Show on Eko FM, where they communicate policy and governance themes to a wider public audience, while sharpening their public speaking and civic engagement skills.

Speaking on the vision behind the Academy, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the Academy’s long-term commitment to shaping ethical leadership in Nigeria. 

“The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy is a long-term investment in the future of Nigeria. Our aim is to develop a pipeline of ethical, competent, and courageous leaders who are not only equipped to govern, but who are committed to doing so with integrity and purpose. This is about building systems, not just individuals; systems that prioritise service, innovation, and accountability,” he said.

This commitment to developing leadership capacity is reflected in the structure of the Fellowship, which blends rigorous training with real-time policy experience to ensure Fellows emerge as well-rounded changemakers capable of responding to Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.

Summing up what sets an LJLA Fellow apart, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, Executive Secretary of the Academy, stated “We are intentional about producing leaders who don’t just understand the theory of leadership, but who can apply it in real-world contexts. Our Fellows are immersed in governance, guided by values, and constantly challenged to think critically and act boldly. They are not just prepared for leadership—they are being shaped to transform the spaces they occupy.”

The Fellowship is open to passionate Nigerians between the ages of 25 and 35 who have at least two years of professional experience, hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND), and have completed the NYSC program or received an exemption. In line with the Academy’s commitment to inclusion, persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.