Applications are now open for the Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ Future Leaders Fellowship Programme, a merit-based leadership development initiative established by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation to nurture ethical, visionary, and impact-driven young leaders across Africa, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora.
The fellowship is inspired by the leadership legacy of Obafemi Awolowo and is designed to equip emerging leaders with values-based leadership skills, mentorship, personal development training, and practical problem-solving experience.
According to the Foundation, the programme aims to build a new generation of leaders committed to integrity, excellence, social justice, and transformational impact across society.
Programme Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- Leadership development training
- Personal effectiveness and capacity-building sessions
- Mentorship opportunities
- Collaborative learning experiences
- Exposure to practical societal problem-solving
- Access to a pan-African network of emerging leaders
- Alumni community engagement and networking opportunities
The fellowship focuses on strengthening leadership competencies in areas such as governance, entrepreneurship, public service, social development, and community impact.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must generally:
- Be between the ages of 20 and 35 years
- Be from Africa, the Caribbean, or the global diaspora
- Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to societal impact
- Submit a personal statement
- Provide two referees as part of the application process
According to the Foundation, admission into the programme is strictly merit-based.
Programme Duration
The inaugural fellowship cohort will run for:
- Eight weeks
- Starting from 4 October 2026
- Virtual sessions every Saturday
- 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Nigeria Time)
Why This Matters
The Foundation noted that many young Africans possess talent, innovation, and leadership potential but often lack access to structured mentorship, leadership frameworks, and development opportunities needed to translate potential into sustainable impact.
The fellowship seeks to bridge this gap by connecting emerging leaders with training, mentorship, and values-based leadership development rooted in service, integrity, and societal transformation.
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official fellowship portal below:
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