The Youth Local Government Accountability Fellowship (YLGA) is a continuation of the Civic Engagement Academy (YCEA) — a flagship initiative of the Spotlight for Transparency and Accountability Initiative.
This transformative program is designed to strengthen youth civic engagement and participation in Nigeria, empowering the next generation of leaders to demand accountability and drive positive change in their communities.
The fellowship will convene young men, women, and persons with disabilities — including civic actors, grassroots activists, and members of civil society — in Yobe State for:
A 2-day intensive bootcamp
A 3-month leadership development program
A 3-month one-on-one mentorship experience
The implementation of community-based civic action projects
Participants will be equipped with practical skills in civic engagement, advocacy, resource mobilization, and community organizing to strengthen democratic participation at the grassroots level.
Program Curriculum
The Academy’s training modules will cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Social accountability and transparency
- Local government administration
- Gender mainstreaming and inclusion
- Community organizing for action
- Effective communication and storytelling
- Policy advocacy and influence
- Building and sustaining networks and coalitions
- Resource mobilization strategies
- Online and digital organizing
Program Support
The Youth Local Government Accountability Fellowship is supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF). This partnership reflects a broader commitment to empowering young Nigerians through:
- Youth leadership and activism
- Outcome-driven policy engagement
- Inclusive resource allocation
- Capacity building for long-term national development
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a resident of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, or Yobe State
- Be between 18–29 years old
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in fostering social accountability
- Have basic knowledge or experience in civic engagement and local government operations
- Be willing to commit to a 9-month intensive program of multidimensional activities
Benefits
Successful fellows will enjoy:
- Participation in a 2-day Local Government
- Accountability Bootcamp
- Access to a 3-month leadership development program
- 3 months of one-on-one mentorship with sector experts
- Seed funding to implement a community-based project in their local government area
Attendance at the Youth Idea Summit
Official certification upon completion - Application Timeline
Opens: Monday, 11th August 2025
Closes: Monday, 25th August 2025
Click Here To Apply