In August 2018, the Kaduna State Government welcomed the inaugural class of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellows Programme. Following a rigorous selection process, 16 Fellows from all over Nigeria are participating in the one-year Fellowship. The Programme’s objective is to develop and nurture leadership ability across Nigeria, with specific focus on the promising leaders of the future.

The one-year programme aims to create a network of high potential young Nigerians who are expected to rise to top leadership positions in the public sector and other spheres of activity over the next decade. The overall mission of the non-partisan programme, as envisioned by Governor Nasir el-Rufai, is in his words, “to raise the next generation of leaders who will most likely be absorbed into the Nigerian public sector having had a first-hand experience of its workings and challenges”.

The Governing Board of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship Programme is pleased to announce that the selection process for the second set of fellows has begun. Applications are hereby invited from candidates interested in being considered for the 2019/2020 class of Fellows.

Kashim Ibrahim Fellows Programme comprises of four components, namely;

1. Work Placement

Engagement in the work of Kaduna State Government lies at the heart of a Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship. Work assignments can offer unparalleled experience working with senior administration officials on ever changing issues and challenges. Fellows will spend a year as full-time, paid assistants to senior Government House Staff, Cabinet members and other top-ranking government officials in State Departments and Agencies.

1. Job Assignments: Fellows responsibilities would range from supporting public service delivery, interagency meetings and designing and implementing state government policies, to drafting speeches for government principals to representing their agencies outside Kaduna State. Fellows’ assignments demand a capacity for quick learning and a willingness to work hard, often on issues outside of their area of expertise. Job assignments are made at the commencement of the Programme during “Placement Week”.
2. Remuneration: Fellows will receive salary and benefits equivalent to that of a Special Assistant to the Governor from the Ministry, Department or Agency for which they work. Kashim Ibrahim Fellows cannot receive compensation from any other source during their year of government service. Additionally, accommodation will be provided throughout the course of the programme.

2. Education Programme

The mandatory Education Programme serves as an important aspect of the Fellowship as it is intended to augment and enhance the work placement experience. Fellows are expected to fully undertake the Education Programme which would include speaker series, domestic policy trips, an international policy trip and Aspen Institute style quarterly seminars. During this process, a balance is maintained between personal development, self-reflection and the Nigerian context of leadership. The values and ethics of leadership also form a major component of the learning experience.

The Education Programme increases the Fellows’ exposure to renowned leaders from the public and private sectors. Each class will meet with notable global individuals who will improve and enrich their understanding and experience of public service. These sessions generally take place during the week, and are off-the-record, lively and frank.

Study of government policies in action across the country is integral to the Education Programme. Kashim Ibrahim Fellows are expected to embark on a few policy study trips during the year. They will travel within Nigeria to study a range of issues such as education, healthcare, security and transportation, energy, economic development, local governance and urbanisation. These studies provide participants with an intensive learning and broadening experience on the principles and application of leadership, and an opportunity to explore the issues and specific characteristics of African leadership, as well as the global challenges and dimensions of same.

3. Community Service

Community service is a key component of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellows Programme. Fellows have a strong legacy of service to their communities and participate in community service projects throughout their year in Kaduna Metropolis. Fellows will be expected to pursue projects to assist the urban poor with solid waste management and recycling systems, volunteer teaching, mentoring secondary school students, assisting Nigerian Legion members, or participating in the clean-up of local schools.

4. Fellowship

Perhaps the most enriching component of the programme is class fellowship, which often results in enduring friendships and collaborative ventures. Alumni will convene at yearly meetings in Kaduna hosted by the Governor, to eagerly welcome new Fellows into what we hope would be one of the most prestigious networks of professionals and leaders in the state and our nation.

In return for the privilege of participating in the Fellowship year, Fellows are expected to apply what they have learned by contributing to Kaduna State and the nation as greater leaders in their respective communities, professions, and in public service. Fellows are expected to return to their former or new occupations more experienced in public policy decision-making and better prepared to contribute to state and national affairs, thereby fulfilling the mission of the programme.

Eligibility