Applications are now open for the Policy, Advocacy and Leadership (PAL) Fellowship 2026 Cohort 3 in Nigeria. The fully immersive leadership programme equips young professionals with skills in policy research, advocacy, governance, leadership and evidence-based policymaking.

The Policy, Advocacy and Leadership (PAL) Fellowship 2026 Cohort 3 is now accepting applications from young professionals interested in developing careers in public policy, governance, research, advocacy and leadership.

Organised by CYPA AFRICA, the PAL Fellowship is a flagship policy leadership programme designed to build the next generation of policy thinkers, researchers, advocates and public leaders who can contribute to stronger governance and evidence-based decision-making across Nigeria’s subnational governments.

The fellowship focuses on developing participants’ ability to understand complex public challenges, generate practical policy solutions, influence decision-makers and transform research findings into meaningful public action.

For the 2026 Cohort 3 programme, applications are open to eligible young Nigerians from the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Only 24 fellows will be selected through a competitive, merit-based process.

About the Policy, Advocacy and Leadership (PAL) Fellowship

The PAL Fellowship was created to address the growing need for young professionals who can bridge the gap between research, policy development and governance practice.

The programme recognises that many challenges affecting communities are not only caused by implementation gaps but also by limited access to strong ideas, policy innovation and institutional leadership.

Through structured training and practical experiences, fellows develop the ability to:

Analyse public policy challenges.
Conduct policy research.
Develop evidence-based recommendations.
Engage policymakers and stakeholders.
Advocate for meaningful reforms.
Strengthen leadership and strategic thinking skills.

The fellowship is built around six key pillars:

Policy
Research
Strategy
Advocacy
Leadership
Ideas

PAL Fellowship 2026 Cohort 3: Key Details

Opportunity	Details
Programme	Policy, Advocacy and Leadership (PAL) Fellowship
Organiser	CYPA AFRICA
Cohort	Cohort 3
Location	Nigeria
Eligible applicants	Young professionals from 19 Northern States and FCT
Age requirement	18–35 years
Duration	September – December 2026
Selection	Merit-based
Number of fellows	24
Format	Virtual learning + residential bootcamp
Bootcamp location	Jos, Plateau State
Accommodation	Covered
Feeding	Covered
Transportation	Covered by fellows
Application deadline	24 August 2026

What Will Fellows Learn?

The PAL Fellowship provides intensive learning opportunities focused on practical policy leadership.

Participants will engage with:

Senior policymakers.
Academics.
Legislators.
Development professionals.
Governance experts.
Public sector leaders.

The programme aims to strengthen fellows’ ability to develop solutions for real-world governance challenges.

Key learning areas include:

Policy Development

Fellows will learn how policies are designed, analysed and evaluated while understanding how government decisions affect communities.

Research and Evidence-Based Decision Making

Participants will develop skills in gathering evidence, analysing information and using research to support effective policymaking.

Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

The programme equips fellows with strategies for communicating policy ideas, influencing decision-makers and building support for reforms.

Leadership Development

Fellows will strengthen leadership skills needed to manage initiatives, collaborate with stakeholders and contribute to public service.

Policy Brief Development Opportunity

One of the defining features of the PAL Fellowship is the development of an individual evidence-based policy brief.

Each fellow will identify a pressing challenge affecting their state or community and develop practical recommendations aimed at addressing the issue.

The policy briefs will:

Identify key public challenges.
Present evidence and analysis.
Recommend practical solutions.
Support policy discussions with government stakeholders.

Selected policy briefs may be shared with relevant state governments to contribute to ongoing policy conversations and reforms.

Fellowship Structure and Activities

The PAL Fellowship will run from September to December 2026.

The programme combines online learning with an intensive residential experience.

Activities include:

Virtual training sessions.
Policy discussions.
Research assignments.
Policy writing exercises.
Leadership conversations.
Policy simulations.
Debates.
Institutional learning visits.

The residential Policy Bootcamp will take place in Jos, Plateau State and will provide fellows with direct engagement opportunities with governance institutions and policy experts.

The bootcamp will include engagement with institutions such as the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

Benefits of the PAL Fellowship

Selected fellows will gain access to professional development opportunities designed to support careers in governance, development and public leadership.

Benefits include:

Policy Leadership Skills

Participants will gain practical knowledge in policy analysis, advocacy and strategic thinking.

Professional Network

Fellows will connect with policymakers, researchers, governance professionals and other emerging leaders.

Practical Policy Experience

Through policy brief development, participants gain experience translating ideas into actionable recommendations.

Residential Bootcamp Support

Accommodation and feeding during the residential programme will be provided by the fellowship.

Participants will only be responsible for their transportation to and from Jos.

Alumni Network

Previous PAL Fellows are contributing across government institutions, research organisations, technology companies and development sectors.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be between 18 and 35 years old.
Be from one of Nigeria’s 19 Northern States or the Federal Capital Territory.
Demonstrate interest in policy, governance, advocacy, research or leadership.
Be available from September to December 2026.
Commit to completing all fellowship activities.
Own a laptop for fellowship coursework.

Eligible educational backgrounds include:

HND
Bachelor’s degree (BSc/BA)
Master’s degree (MSc/MA)
PhD

Applicants may come from different professional backgrounds, provided they demonstrate interest in public policy and leadership.

Required Application Materials

Applicants will need to provide:

Personal information.
Educational background.
Professional information.
CV.
Social media profiles.
Policy-related writing samples (if available).
One-minute introduction video.

The application also requires applicants to answer questions about:

Their motivation for joining PAL Fellowship.
A policy issue they would prioritise as a state government advisor.
Practical recommendations for solving that challenge.

How to Apply for PAL Fellowship Cohort 3

Interested applicants should complete the official application form before the deadline.

The application process involves:

Completing the online application form.
Providing personal and professional details.
Uploading a CV.
Submitting a one-minute introduction video.
Answering policy-related questions.
Confirming availability and commitment.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Policy, Advocacy and Leadership (PAL) Fellowship 2026 Cohort 3 is:

24 August 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and ensure all required information is accurate.

Why Young Nigerians Should Consider the PAL Fellowship

Nigeria faces complex governance and development challenges requiring innovative thinkers who understand policy, research and leadership.

The PAL Fellowship provides young professionals with an opportunity to build skills that are increasingly valuable across:

Government institutions.
Non-governmental organisations.
Research organisations.
Development agencies.
Policy think tanks.
Advocacy organisations.
Social impact initiatives.

By combining academic learning with practical policy development, the fellowship prepares participants to contribute meaningfully to public decision-making.

Final Thoughts

The Policy, Advocacy and Leadership (PAL) Fellowship 2026 Cohort 3 represents an opportunity for young Nigerians passionate about governance, public policy and leadership to develop the skills required to influence positive change.

Through training in policy analysis, research, advocacy and leadership, fellows will gain practical experience developing solutions to real community challenges.

With only 24 fellows selected, the programme is highly competitive and applicants should focus on demonstrating their leadership potential, commitment to public service and ability to think critically about policy challenges.

Young professionals from Nigeria’s Northern States and the FCT who want to build careers in governance, advocacy and development are encouraged to apply before 24 August 2026.

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