The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy has officially opened applications for its 2025/2026 Fellowship Cohort, calling on passionate young Nigerians who aspire to drive meaningful change in public service. The flagship programme named in honour of the iconic statesman and former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande continues to stand as one of Nigeria’s most respected leadership development initiatives within the public sector.
Aimed at nurturing a new generation of transformative leaders, the Fellowship offers a one-year, non-partisan, and immersive experience in government. Fellows are embedded within strategic roles in the Lagos State Government, gaining firsthand exposure to policy formulation, governance dynamics, and leadership in action under the mentorship of seasoned public administrators.
The 2025/2026 edition promises to build on the Academy’s legacy of excellence by selecting highly driven individuals who possess not only intellectual rigour but also a clear passion for public service. Ideal applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic credentials, a record of leadership or civic engagement, and a commitment to ethical, people-focused governance.
According to the Academy, the fellowship is designed to prepare participants for real-time problem-solving in public administration, by placing them directly in positions where they can contribute meaningfully to government operations. From drafting policy briefs to managing community-focused initiatives, fellows are groomed to be bold thinkers and doers in a system that desperately needs reform-minded leadership.
Speaking on the launch of this new application cycle, the Director-General of the Academy emphasized that the programme remains a tribute to Lateef Jakande’s legacy of simplicity, integrity, and innovation in public service. “What we are building is a generation of ethical public leaders who understand the complexities of governance but are driven by the desire to serve, not rule. This is a living embodiment of Baba Jakande’s ethos,” she said.
Since its inception, the Academy has produced fellows who have gone on to take strategic roles in government, policy advocacy, and nonprofit development across Nigeria and beyond. The network of alumni continues to grow, fostering a shared commitment to accountable governance and development-driven leadership.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the official website of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy for detailed information on eligibility, application procedures, and timelines. The application window remains open for a limited time, and competition for slots is expected to be fierce, given the growing national interest in the programme.
For young Nigerians seeking a unique pathway into public leadership, the Lateef Jakande Fellowship offers more than just training—it offers a front-row seat to the machinery of governance, and a chance to make a lasting impact where it truly counts.