Applications are open for the Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship 2026, a comprehensive leadership and mentorship program designed for 7 young Nigerian leaders aged 21 to 35, with exceptions for ages 18-21. The six-week experience focuses on developing skills in one of three themes: Business, Social Development, or Governance. Benefits include an annual colloquium in Abuja, networking opportunities, and practical volunteering activities. Applicants must be Nigerian citizens, resident in Nigeria for at least six months, proficient in English, and able to commit at least 3 hours weekly to fellowship activities. The application deadline is December 31, 2025.
Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship 2026 Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Triola Aina Foundation |
| Category | Leadership Development |
| Eligible Country | Nigeria (Nigerian Citizens) |
| Target Group | Young Nigerian Leaders (Ages 21–35) |
| Reward | Comprehensive Leadership Training |
| Duration | Six-week Leadership Development Experience + Year-long activities |
| Number of Fellows | 7 Young Leaders |
| Deadline | 31 December 2025 |
Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship Details
The Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship is a prestigious leadership and mentorship program designed to empower young Nigerian leaders to drive growth and prosperity, strengthen credible governance, and enhance peace and security across Nigeria. Each year, the fellowship selects a cohort of 7 young leaders for a comprehensive experience that builds skills and empowers them for impact in their respective sectors and communities.
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The program uses leadership development as a framework, linking academic sessions, a strengths-based Common Leadership Curriculum, and cultural activities to provide relevant knowledge and practical skills.
Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship Benefits
Tier 1: Core Leadership Development Experience
- Six-Week Intensive Model: Fellows participate in an immersive six-week Leadership Development Experience.
- Thematic Focus: Skills development is centered on one of three essential themes, allowing for specialized growth:
- Leadership in Business
- Leadership in Social Development
- Leadership in Governance
- Curriculum: The intensive model integrates academic sessions with a strengths-based Common Leadership Curriculum to ensure relevant knowledge and practical skill acquisition.
Tier 2: Networking and High-Level Exposure
- Colloquium Participation: Fellows attend and participate in the Dr. Fola Aina Annual Colloquium on Youth, Leadership and Nation Building in Abuja, Nigeria (held in December).
- High-Level Networking: Fellows gain the opportunity to network with each other and with Nigerian leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Selected Fellows may also deliver talks at the event.
- Alumni Network: Fellows automatically join a growing alumni body of young leaders transforming Nigeria across diverse sectors, ensuring a lifelong connection to the fellowship’s mission.
Tier 3: Practical Application and Volunteering
- Volunteering Activities: Fellows are tasked with volunteering with Programme Partners.
- Practical Experience: This offers firsthand, practical experience, allowing Fellows to apply the insights gained during the Leadership Development Experience in real-world scenarios.
- Continuous Engagement: Fellows participate in ongoing activities, including webinars, case studies, team activities, and assignments throughout the program year.
Eligibility Requirements for Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship 2026
Applicants must meet all the following requirements to be considered for the fellowship:
- Citizenship: Must be a Nigerian citizen.
- Residency: Must have been resident in Nigeria for at least six months before the application deadline.
- Age: Must be between ages 21 and 35 years on or before the application deadline. Exceptional applicants aged 18–21 will be considered.
- Gender: Must be male or female.
- Commitment: Must be able and willing to commit at least 3 hours weekly to the fellowship activities, webinars, case studies, team activities, and assignments.
- Affiliation Restrictions: Must not be employees or immediate family members of employees of the Triola Aina Foundation.
- Language: Must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
- Previous Participation: Must not be alumni of the Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship.
How to Apply for Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship 2026 (Step by Step)
Interested and eligible candidates should follow the outlined steps to submit their application:
- Verify Commitment: Ensure full commitment to the required weekly time investment (at least 3 hours) and the ability to attend all key program events, including the six-week experience and the Colloquium in Abuja.
- Confirm Eligibility: Scrupulously confirm all eligibility requirements, particularly age (21–35, with exceptions), Nigerian citizenship, and residency status.
- Complete Application: Access the official application portal and complete the online application form. Indicate the preferred leadership theme (Business, Social Development, or Governance).
- Submit Before Deadline: Submit the fully completed application form and all supporting documents (as required by the platform) before the final deadline.
Application Deadline: 31 December 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the required age range for applicants to the Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship?
Applicants must generally be between 21 and 35 years of age on or before the application deadline, although exceptional applicants aged 18–21 will also be considered.
2. Is the fellowship open to all African citizens?
No, the fellowship is specifically open only to Nigerian citizens who have been resident in Nigeria for at least six months prior to applying.
3. What is the time commitment expected from the Fellows?
Fellows must be able and willing to commit at least 3 hours weekly to fellowship activities, including webinars, case studies, team activities, and assignments.
4. How many young leaders will be selected for the 2026 fellowship cohort?
The fellowship will bring together a cohort of 7 young leaders for the comprehensive leadership program.
5. What are the three focus themes of the Leadership Development Experience?
The three focus themes for skills development are Leadership in Business, Leadership in Social Development, and Leadership in Governance.
6. When and where does the major Colloquium event take place?
All Fellows participate in the Dr. Fola Aina Annual Colloquium in Abuja, Nigeria, which takes place in December.
7. Can former participants apply for the fellowship again?
No. Applicants must not be alumni of the Dr. Fola Aina Fellowship.
8. What is the duration of the intensive Leadership Development Experience?
The core intensive leadership development experience runs for a period of six weeks.
9. What is the role of the volunteering activities in the fellowship?
Volunteering with Programme Partners offers Fellows firsthand, practical experience to apply the insights gained during the Leadership Development Experience.
10. Are employees of the Triola Aina Foundation or their family members eligible?
No, applicants must not be employees or immediate family members of employees of the Triola Aina Foundation.
