Gbajabiamila LMI Fellowship 2025 for Young Nigerians in Public Leadership

Applications are now open for the 4th cohort of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI)—a fully funded fellowship launched by Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria.

If you’re passionate about governance, policy-making, or leadership in the public sector, this program is a chance to learn directly from people shaping Nigeria’s legislative and administrative future.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, from what the fellowship is about and who it’s for, to the benefits, requirements, and how to apply.

What is the LMI Fellowship?

The Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) was created to develop a new generation of ethical, informed, and capable leaders who can transform governance in Nigeria and beyond.

Through a mix of hands-on training, mentorship, and policy exposure, LMI gives participants a front-row seat to how laws are made, how governance works, and how meaningful public service begins. It’s a program built to shape young people into leaders who can influence decisions and drive national progress.

Over the years, the initiative has produced young professionals who’ve gone on to make a real impact in their communities and public institutions. Each cohort leaves with the skills, mindset, and confidence to lead with integrity and purpose.

Who Can Apply

You can apply for the 2025 LMI Fellowship if you:

• Be a Nigerian citizen
• Are between 21 and 35 years old
• Have a demonstrated interest in public service, governance, policy drafting, or diplomacy
• Have shown some form of leadership or community engagement in the past
• Can communicate effectively in English
• Are willing to commit fully to the program’s activities throughout its duration

This opportunity is designed for aspiring legislators, policy enthusiasts, and young Nigerians who want to understand and contribute to how government works.

Also Apply:
Reckitt Nigeria 2025 Management Trainee Programme (Trailblazers 4.0)

What You’ll Gain from the LMI Fellowship

The LMI Fellowship is fully funded and also delivers on knowledge, mentorship, and access.

Here’s what selected fellows can expect:

• Direct mentorship from experienced lawmakers and legislative experts
• Real-world exposure to policy formulation, governance processes, and national development issues
• Networking opportunities with professionals in government, public service, and international organisations
• Leadership and communication skills training through practical sessions and collaborative projects
• A professional community: a network of emerging leaders dedicated to ethical governance and civic responsibility

Each session combines lectures, group discussions, workshops, and field experiences that encourage you to think critically about governance and your role in improving it.

What You’ll Learn

The fellowship covers a wide range of topics designed to prepare you for leadership in both legislative and public service roles. These include:

• The structure and function of Nigeria’s legislative system
• The principles of ethical and responsive leadership
• Policy analysis and lawmaking processes
• Public administration and governance reforms
• Emotional intelligence, teamwork, and civic engagement
• Inclusivity, diversity, and equity in public leadership

How to Apply for the 2025 LMI Fellowship

Follow these steps carefully to submit a complete application:

 1. Visit the official LMI Fellowship page to access the online application form.

2. Fill out your personal and academic details accurately.

3. Answer the reflective essay questions, which include:

• Why you want to participate in the LMI Fellowship and what you hope to gain (max 200 words)
• How have you demonstrated leadership in the past (max 200 words)
• Your perspective on equity and inclusion, and how it aligns with LMI’s values (max 150 words)

4. Upload a one-minute video explaining your motivation for applying (video size should not exceed 100MB).

 5. Review all details, ensure your documents are properly formatted, and submit before the deadline.

Take your time with the essays and video; they’re your best chance to show genuine passion and clarity of purpose.

Also Apply:
Ecobank Nigeria Entry Level Development Programme (ELDP)

Application Deadline

The application for the 2025 LMI Fellowship closes on October 14, 2025.

All submissions must be completed through the official portal before the deadline. Late or incomplete entries may not be considered.

Apply For The Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) Fellowship 2025