Youth Leadership Development Programme Nigeria 2026 for Undergraduates (Up to ₦2,500,000 Funding)
Application Deadline: Ongoing
The Youth Leadership Development Programme (YLDP) is back with a strong focus on equipping Nigerian undergraduates with the skills, mindset, and support needed to drive real change. Designed for students who are eager to move from ideas to action, this programme blends leadership training with practical impact.
Implemented by LEAP Africa under the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), the YLDP is more than a learning experience; it’s a platform for young Nigerians to actively shape their communities and contribute to national development.
The programme is built around three core pillars: leadership, active citizenship, and community development. Participants engage in self-paced courses, virtual learning sessions, and mentorship guided by experienced social innovators. What makes it particularly valuable is the strong emphasis on practical application. You won’t just learn, you’ll execute.
This year, participants can choose between two pathways, depending on their interests and strengths.
The Sustainability Pathway is designed for students passionate about grassroots impact. Teams of 5–10 students from the same institution collaborate to design and implement community-based projects aligned with national development priorities. Selected teams receive funding support to bring these ideas to life, making it ideal for those interested in social innovation and long-term change.
The Advocacy Pathway, on the other hand, is centered around the Youth Leadership Debate Competition. It targets students who are confident in expressing ideas, influencing conversations, and engaging in policy-related discussions. Teams of three compete through multiple stages, from campus rounds to a national finale, while building strong skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and advocacy.
Both pathways are structured to ensure participants not only gain knowledge but also develop the confidence and experience needed to lead in real-world situations.
Eligibility
To be considered for the programme, applicants must:
- Be an undergraduate in a Nigerian tertiary institution
- Be between 18–35 years old
- Be passionate about leadership, advocacy, or community development
- Be willing to fully participate in courses, mentorship, and programme activities
Pathway-specific requirements:
- Sustainability Track: Apply as a team of 5–10 students from the same institution
- Advocacy Track: Apply as a team of 3 students
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Benefits
The programme offers a mix of learning, exposure, and financial support:
- Access to leadership and civic education courses
- Mentorship from experienced changemakers and industry experts
- Opportunity to design and implement real community projects
- Financial support:
- Up to ₦350,000 for Sustainability Track projects
- Advocacy Track prizes:
- ₦2,500,000 (1st place)
- ₦1,500,000 (2nd place)
- ₦1,000,000 (3rd place)
- Participation in national debates, campaigns, and campus engagements
- Networking opportunities with like-minded young leaders across Nigeria
Beyond the funding, participants gain something even more valuable: hands-on experience and credibility in leadership and social impact.
Application Process
Applicants are required to select their preferred pathway and apply accordingly as a team.
For the Advocacy Track, the selection process includes multiple competitive stages:
- Entry submission
- Campus eliminations
- Virtual rounds
- Quarter-finals and regional engagements
- Semi-finals
- National grand finale
The Sustainability Track focuses more on proposal-based selection and project implementation.
For more details, visit Youth Leadership Development Programme.
