FIJ Adejumobi Adegbite Fellowship 2025 for Young Journalists in Nigeria
Deadline: May 26, 2025
The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) is accepting applications for the Adejumobi Adegbite Fellowship for Young Journalists, a one-year program honoring late journalist and U.S. Consulate Lagos Information Specialist, Adegbite. Supported by the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, the fellowship targets early-career Nigerian journalists with up to five years of experience in investigative, multimedia, and data-driven reporting. It aims to empower 10 journalists through workshops and mentorship by providing tools and guidance to produce impactful public interest stories. Applicants must be active Nigerian journalists, not previous U.S. government exchange program participants, and submit two published investigative stories from the past two years, along with a personal statement and CV. Shortlisted candidates will participate in sessions in Lagos and online. The application deadline is May 26, 2025.
The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) is currently accepting applications for the prestigious Adejumobi Adegbite Fellowship for Young Journalists. This is a highly competitive, one-year program designed to honor the memory of the late Adejumobi Adegbite, a distinguished journalist and the Information Specialist at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, who sadly passed away in July 2023. The fellowship is made possible through the generous support of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, reflecting a shared commitment to nurturing investigative journalism talent in Nigeria.
This fellowship is specifically targeted at early-career journalists who demonstrate a keen interest in investigative reporting, multimedia storytelling, and data-driven journalism. It aims to equip emerging journalists with the skills, resources, and mentorship necessary to produce impactful, ethical, and innovative journalism that serves the public interest.
The program seeks to empower a total of 10 talented Nigerian journalists—each with no more than five years of professional experience across various media platforms including television, radio, print, and online outlets. Throughout the fellowship year, participants will engage in comprehensive workshops, receive personalized mentorship from seasoned journalists, and gain access to modern mobile journalism tools. The overarching goal is to foster the development of investigative skills and multimedia storytelling capabilities among Nigeria’s promising young journalists.
U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Julie McKay emphasized the significance of this initiative by recalling that Adegbite was an outstanding journalist and a valuable member of the U.S. Consulate’s Public Diplomacy Section. Her legacy continues through this fellowship, which aims to support the next generation of investigative journalists in Nigeria.
Benefits
Successful applicants, or fellows, will benefit from a range of resources designed to enhance their journalistic practice. They will receive state-of-the-art mobile journalism tools, comprehensive guidance, and ongoing mentorship aimed at helping them produce compelling, high-quality public interest stories. This support is intended to foster innovation and excellence in investigative journalism within Nigeria.
Eligibility
The fellowship is exclusively open to Nigerian journalists who are considered emerging professionals—specifically, those with less than five years of work experience in the media industry. Applicants may include interns, freelance journalists, as well as part-time and full-time media practitioners. It is important to note that this fellowship is entirely Nigerian-focused; applicants must be permanently resident in Nigeria and must not have previously participated in any U.S. government exchange programs or be alumni of such initiatives.
Candidates are required to demonstrate their journalistic activity by submitting two investigative stories that have been published within the 24 months prior to the application deadline. Entries that feature features, opinion pieces, analyses, or op-eds will be disqualified from consideration, as the focus is strictly on investigative reporting.
Additionally, shortlisted applicants must be available to participate in an opening session and a closing session held in Lagos, as well as two online sessions scheduled in between these events.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit their application materials via email to [email protected] on or before Monday, May 26, 2025. The application must include:
– Two investigative stories that have been published within the 24 months prior to the deadline.
– A personal statement (not exceeding 1,000 words) explaining what motivates and inspires them as a journalist, and how participating in this fellowship can help advance their career goals.
– A curriculum vitae (CV) outlining their professional experience, education, and relevant skills.
This is an exceptional opportunity for young Nigerian journalists dedicated to investigative reporting and eager to develop their skills further with the support of a reputable foundation and the U.S. Consulate.
In conclusion, the Adejumobi Adegbite Fellowship for Young Journalists presents a remarkable opportunity for emerging Nigerian journalists to elevate their investigative reporting skills and contribute meaningfully to the public discourse. By providing access to advanced tools, mentorship, and training, the fellowship not only honors the legacy of Adejumobi Adegbite but also reinforces the importance of ethical and impactful journalism in Nigeria. Aspiring applicants are encouraged to seize this chance to refine their craft, deepen their commitment to truth, and make a lasting difference in their communities. This initiative exemplifies a shared dedication to fostering a new generation of investigative journalists equipped to hold power to account and promote transparency across the nation.
For more information, visit FIJ Adejumobi Adegbite Fellowship.