KASHIFU INUWA FOUNDATION (KIAF) DIGITAL TALENT AND INNOVATION FELLOWSHIP 2026–2027
FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Kashifu Inuwa Foundation (KIAF) Digital Talent and Innovation Fellowship 2026–2027
Location: Jigawa State, Nigeria
Number of Slots: 27 Fellows (One representative from each of the 27 Local Government Areas of Jigawa State)
Application Deadline: Sunday, 1 November 2026
About the Fellowship
The Kashifu Inuwa Foundation (KIAF), in partnership with the FutureMap Foundation as the technical implementing organisation, is officially calling for applications for the 2026–2027 Digital Talent and Innovation Programme.
This transformative fellowship is designed to train 27 ambitious young people from across all 27 LGAs of Jigawa State, equipping them with cutting-edge, practical digital skills tailored for modern employment, tech entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. The comprehensive programme integrates rigorous technical training, expert mentorship, real-world hands-on projects, and exclusive internship opportunities to jumpstart sustainable careers in the technology sector.
Available Training Tracks
Fellows will specialize in one of the following high-demand technical areas:
Product Design (UI/UX)
Frontend Development
Backend Development
Cybersecurity
Data Science & Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence
Cloud and DevOps Engineering
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:
Residency & Age: Be a young person indigenous or resident in Jigawa State, generally aged 35 years or below (exceptional candidates outside this age bracket may be considered).
Educational Background: Possess at least a National Diploma (ND). Highly motivated, self-taught tech talents without a formal diploma are also welcome to apply and will be evaluated on merit.
Tech Literacy: Demonstrate foundational computer literacy or prior exposure to technology tools.
Commitment: Show a genuine willingness to learn, master technical skills, and participate actively throughout the duration of the programme.
Inclusion Focus: Women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are strongly encouraged to apply, as diversity and inclusion remain core pillars of this fellowship.
What Selected Fellows Will Receive
Fully Sponsored Training: High-quality technical training and practical project execution at zero financial cost.
Learning Infrastructure: Access to dedicated computers, modern learning facilities, specialized software, and digital tools.
Financial Support: A planned monthly stipend to support fellows during the training phase.
Mentorship & Networking: Direct access to industry experts, career guidance, and professional networking opportunities.
Work-Tool Support: Essential work-tool support provided upon successful completion of the training.
Professional Certification: Recognized certification awarded based on active participation and performance.
Career Placement: An exclusive opportunity for a six-month internship for fellows who meet the required attendance and assessment standards.
Training Format, Venue & Duration
Duration: A 3-month intensive training program comprising 6 weeks of physical training and 6 weeks of virtual learning.
Physical Training Venue: Bola Ahmed Tinubu Academy, Hadejia, Jigawa State.
Holistic Development: Beyond core technical training, participants will build vital soft skills including professional communication, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and business development to successfully translate technical knowledge into market-ready solutions.
Internship Pathway: Eligible graduates will transition into a 6-month internship placement subject to strict attendance and assessment performance.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates who meet the criteria are invited to submit their applications via the official fellowship application portal before the deadline.
Application Deadline: Sunday, 1 November 2026
Young innovators, tech enthusiasts, and change-makers across Jigawa State are strongly encouraged to seize this defining opportunity to build world-class digital skills and shape the future of work!
