Applications are open for the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship, a fully-funded program equipping young Nigerians with the skills and mentorship needed for impactful political leadership. Apply below:
When is the Application Deadline:
The application deadline for the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship is 28th February 2025, 23:59 pm (WAT).
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Tell Me About The Bridge Leadership Foundation 2025 Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship:
The Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship (EPLF) is a fully-funded, non-partisan political leadership development initiative by The Bridge Leadership Foundation. It is designed to nurture and prepare young Nigerians for leadership at the local, regional, and national levels, thereby enhancing the quality of political leadership in the country. Over the course of the program, fellows participate in a range of tailored activities, including mentorship by seasoned politicians, learning visits to key institutions, and training from a world-class faculty. The residential boot camp serves as an immersive experience where fellows network, engage with Nigeria’s political ecosystem, and present their capstone projects to expert panels.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
The fellowship is open to individuals active in politics, civil service, political appointments, grassroots activism, and those involved in civic leadership roles.
Type:
Fellowship
Who can Apply For The Bridge Leadership Foundation 2025 Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship?
To apply, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be Nigerians aged 25–35 (exceptionally strong candidates aged 36–45 can also apply).
- Be active in mainstream politics or civic engagement in Nigeria.
- Have a proven track record of service and impact within a community, region, or Nigeria.
- Demonstrate accountability, integrity, strategy, and resilience.
- Meet all statutory requirements to run for office at all levels in Nigeria.
- Have no criminal record or ongoing criminal investigation.
- Be technical staff, civil servants, political appointees, activists, or candidates involved in Nigerian politics.
Also, the fellowship is open to:
- Mid-senior level Technocrats
- Civil Servants
- Nigerians in Diaspora interested in running for office in Nigeria
- The technical staff of past or serving politicians (Special Advisers, Technical Assistants etc.)
- Political appointees (Such as Commissioners, Executive Secretaries etc.)
- Past candidates of political parties who ran for office at local/state/national level
- Current candidates/Political representatives of political parties running for office at local/state/national level
- Grassroots Activists/Changemakers with proven track record of impact in their communities
- Women, minorities (And other groups prone to discrimination and exclusion) with a track record of service and impact in their communities.
How are Applicants Selected?
- The strength of their application and vision for political leadership.
- Demonstrated track record of service, impact, and leadership qualities.
- Alignment with the program’s objectives to enhance political leadership in Nigeria.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Nigeria
Where will the Award be Taken?
Nigeria
How Many Awards?
Not specified
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What is the Benefit of the Bridge Leadership Foundation 2025 Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship?
Additionally, the benefits include:
- Opportunity to be part of a political leadership capacity development program on the African continent
- Access to a high-impact, 6-month political leadership development training
- Opportunity to have access to, and be trained by a world-class Faculty
- Group mentorship by credible and seasoned Nigerian Politicians currently serving at various levels across the country
- One-on-one/group meetings with, and access to influential Nigerian politicians curated across party lines
- Access to Learning Visits to Key Institutions and Organizations
- Cost for local air travel, airport transfers, accommodation and feeding for the duration of the boot camp will be covered (Nigerians in Diaspora will be responsible for their travel arrangements to Nigeria)
- Opportunity to serve on subsequent Cohorts as Facilitators, Program Ambassadors, Advisory Council members, and/or Mentors
- Upon completing the program, you will gain membership into the Alumni Association, providing you with access to a network of credible and like-minded emerging political leaders.
- Upon selection, you will gain the opportunity to implement a civic-driven impact project in your community, develop your capstone project, and collaborate with other fellows to implement civic conversations and other impactful activities across social media platforms.
- Increased visibility within Nigeria’s political space and amongst its most influential stakeholders
- Social media spotlights across The Bridge Leadership Foundation, Advisory and Faculty member’s handles/pages
How Long Will the Award Last?
6 months
How to Apply:
To apply for the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship:
- Complete the online application form available on the program’s website.
- Prepare and upload an up-to-date CV (PDF format, maximum of 3 pages).
- If shortlisted, submit a 3–5 minute video answering the question: “Why should you be selected for the fellowship and how will your vision catalyze the change Nigeria needs?”
- Allocate at least 20 minutes to fill out all sections of the application form diligently.
