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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
No fewer than 1,212 young Nigerians and Africans have thrown their hats into the ring for just 124 coveted places in the maiden Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship (MAELF), a groundbreaking initiative offering mentorship, internships and grants of up to ₦20 million to groom the next generation of energy leaders.
The fellowship, organised by the Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha (DAM Foundation) in partnership with the APC National Youth Wing, has entered the screening stage after attracting an overwhelming response from young innovators, entrepreneurs and policy enthusiasts eager to shape Africa’s energy future.
The successful applicants will participate in an intensive seven-day residential programme focused on renewable energy, energy transition, climate action, leadership, governance and policy development.
Speaking on the initiative, APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, described the fellowship as a bold investment in Nigeria’s future, stressing that the country’s economic prosperity depends on building competent leaders for the energy sector.
According to him, MAELF is designed to produce a new generation of energy experts, policy drivers, entrepreneurs and industry executives capable of leading Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy while positioning Africa as a global energy powerhouse.
“The future of Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development depends largely on the quality of leadership within the energy sector. Through MAELF, we are building a new generation of energy experts, policy innovators, entrepreneurs and executives who will drive Nigeria’s energy transition and position Africa as a global force in sustainable energy development,” he said.
Beyond the classroom, fellows will benefit from internship placements, one-on-one mentorship with industry leaders, policy engagement opportunities and field visits to strategic energy projects.
Outstanding participants will also compete for grants of up to ₦20 million to develop innovative clean energy solutions, giving them the financial backing to transform ideas into impactful businesses and technologies.
The DAM Foundation and the APC National Youth Wing said the fellowship aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s target of attaining net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
The organisers expressed confidence that the initiative would produce a formidable pipeline of young professionals equipped with the knowledge, leadership capacity and innovation needed to power Nigeria’s energy revolution and drive sustainable development across Africa.
