The PAL Fellowship is the flagship policy leadership programme of CYPA AFRICA, established to raise a new generation of policy thinkers, researchers, advocates, and public leaders committed to strengthening governance and advancing evidence-based policymaking across the sub national government in Nigeria.
We believe that many of the challenges confronting our communities are not simply problems of implementation, but also problems of ideas, leadership, and institutional capacity. Lasting change requires people who can understand complex public problems, generate practical solutions, influence decision-making, and translate research into meaningful public action.
The Fellowship is built around six interconnected pillars:
- Policy,
- Research,
- Strategy,
- Advocacy,
- Leadership,
- Ideas.
Through an intensive learning experience, Fellows will engage with senior policymakers, academics, legislators, development practitioners, and governance experts while developing the analytical, strategic, and leadership skills required to influence public policy and drive reform at the subnational level.
A defining feature of the Fellowship is the development of an evidence-based policy brief, through which each Fellow identifies a pressing challenge within their state or community and proposes practical, context-specific policy recommendations. These policy briefs are presented to policymakers and compiled for dissemination to relevant state governments to contribute to ongoing policy dialogue and reform efforts.
Following two successful cohorts, PAL Fellows are already making meaningful contributions across the public and development sectors. Alumni are serving within government institutions, supporting policymakers as research assistants, working with leading policy and technology organizations, and establishing initiatives that address critical social and governance challenges. The Fellowship continues to build a growing network of young professionals committed to public service and transformational leadership.
About Cohort 3
The 2025/2026 Cohort marks an important milestone in the Fellowship’s growth.
Applications are now open to young professionals from all 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Only 24 Fellows will be selected through a highly competitive, merit-based process.
The Fellowship will run from September to December 2026, combining virtual learning with a four-day residential Policy Bootcamp in Jos, Plateau State. The residency will feature policy simulations, debates, policy laboratories, institutional learning visits, leadership conversations, and direct engagement with senior policymakers and governance institutions, including the “National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).”
Accommodation and feeding throughout the residency will be provided by the Fellowship. Fellows will, however, be responsible for arranging and funding their transportation to and from Jos.
ELIGIBILITY
- . The Fellowship runs from September to December 2026
- . Applications are open to applicants aged 18–35 years from the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
- Only 24 Fellows will be selected.
Selection is strictly merit-based while ensuring diversity, gender balance, and the inclusion of underrepresented groups. - Successful applicants must commit to participating in all virtual sessions, completing assignments, producing an individual policy brief, and attending the three-day residential bootcamp in Jos.
- Accommodation and feeding during the residency will be fully covered by the Fellowship. Fellows are responsible for their transportation to and from Jos.
- • Graduates with a first degree in any discipline.
Application Deadline Unspecified
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and Qualified candidates should use link below to Apply
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