Kaduna Youth Policy Lab 2026: Apply for a Youth Policy, Governance and Advocacy Training Programme in Kaduna State

The Kaduna Youth Policy Lab 2026 is inviting young people in Kaduna State, Nigeria, who are passionate about governance, public policy, accountability and social change to apply for a practical training and mentorship programme designed to develop the next generation of youth policy analysts.

The programme will equip selected participants with practical skills in policy analysis, policy research, policy writing, budget literacy and evidence-based advocacy. Participants will also have an opportunity to work collaboratively with other young people, develop policy briefs and engage with government institutions on governance and public policy issues.

With only 25 participants set to be selected, the Kaduna Youth Policy Lab 2026 offers a focused opportunity for young people who want to better understand how policy decisions are made and how evidence, data and technology can be used to promote accountable governance and meaningful social change.

About the Kaduna Youth Policy Lab 2026

The Kaduna Youth Policy Lab 2026 is designed as a practical learning and engagement programme for young people interested in the intersection of youth participation, governance, public policy, data, accountability and community development.

Rather than focusing solely on theoretical learning, the programme is structured around practical activities that can help participants understand how policy research and advocacy work in real-world settings.

Participants will take part in a two-day non-residential policy bootcamp, receive mentorship, collaborate in teams and work towards producing policy briefs addressing governance and policy challenges relevant to Kaduna State.

The programme also includes opportunities for participants to participate in advocacy engagements with government institutions, giving young people exposure to how policy discussions can connect with public institutions and decision-makers.

What Will Participants Gain?

Selected participants will have the opportunity to develop a range of practical skills and experiences relevant to careers in public policy, governance, research, advocacy, development and civic engagement.

1. Two-Day Policy Bootcamp

Participants will participate in an intensive two-day policy bootcamp designed to strengthen their understanding of policy-related issues and provide practical learning opportunities.

The bootcamp is expected to provide a collaborative environment where young people can learn, exchange ideas and apply policy concepts to real governance challenges.

2. Policy Research and Analysis Skills

The programme will help participants strengthen their ability to conduct policy research and analyse governance-related issues.

These skills can be particularly valuable for young people interested in careers or further studies involving:

• Public policy
• Governance
• Development
• Political science
• International development
• Research
• Advocacy
• Public administration
• Civil society
• Government and public institutions

3. Policy Writing Experience

Participants will gain practical exposure to policy writing, including working with other participants to develop policy briefs.

A policy brief is an important tool for communicating research and evidence to policymakers and other stakeholders. Learning how to identify a policy problem, examine evidence and formulate practical recommendations can therefore be valuable for anyone interested in influencing public policy.

4. Mentorship

The Kaduna Youth Policy Lab will provide participants with mentorship opportunities, allowing them to learn from individuals with relevant knowledge and experience.

Mentorship can help young participants better understand policy careers, advocacy, research and approaches to addressing governance challenges.

5. Teamwork and Collaboration

Participants will work with other young people during the programme, including collaborating on policy briefs.

This will provide an opportunity to strengthen skills such as

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Research collaboration
• Leadership
• Critical thinking
• Stakeholder engagement

6. Advocacy Engagements

Participants will have the opportunity to take part in advocacy engagements with government institutions.

This component can give young people practical exposure to government engagement and demonstrate how evidence and policy recommendations can be communicated to public institutions.

7. Understanding of Budget Literacy and Accountability

The programme specifically seeks to build skills around budget literacy and accountable governance.

Understanding public budgets is important because government budgets influence the resources available for public services, development programmes and community priorities.

Young people who develop budget literacy can become better equipped to examine public expenditure, ask informed questions and participate constructively in discussions about government accountability.

Policy Issues Participants Can Explore

Applicants are asked to indicate the governance or policy issue that interests them most.

The available areas include:

Youth Employment and Economic Opportunities

Youth employment is an important policy issue, particularly in relation to access to decent work, entrepreneurship, skills development and economic opportunities.

Participants interested in this area may explore policies affecting young people’s participation in the economy and potential approaches to expanding employment and livelihood opportunities.

Education Financing and Accountability

Education financing and accountability focus on how resources are allocated to education and how stakeholders can promote transparency and effective use of public resources.

This area may appeal to applicants interested in education policy, public finance, access to education and accountability.

Public Expenditure and Budget Transparency

This area focuses on understanding how public resources are allocated and spent.

Applicants interested in public financial management can use the programme as an opportunity to develop their understanding of budgets, expenditure and transparency.

Local Government Accountability and Service Delivery

Local governments play an important role in delivering services and responding to community needs.

Participants interested in this area may explore how local government institutions can improve accountability, responsiveness and service delivery.

AI Governance and Data-Driven Public Policy

The programme also highlights the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence and data-driven tools in policy analysis and governance.

Applicants are specifically asked to explain how AI and data-driven tools can contribute to policy analysis, good governance and social change in Kaduna State.

This makes the programme particularly relevant to young people interested in the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, data and public policy.

Who Can Apply?

The Kaduna Youth Policy Lab 2026 is intended for young people residing in Kaduna State, Nigeria, particularly those who have an interest in governance, public policy and creating positive change in their communities.

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in issues such as governance, policy, accountability, research, advocacy, leadership or social change.

The application form asks applicants to provide information including:

• Full name
• Email address
• Age
• Gender
• Residence within Kaduna City
• Current occupation
• Institution or organization
• Previous experience
• Policy interests
• Motivation for joining the programme
• Expected learning outcomes
• Availability for the two-day bootcamp
• Willingness to work in a team
• Willingness to participate in a government advocacy visit
• Accessibility support requirements

The programme will select only 25 participants, making it important for applicants to complete the application carefully and provide clear, thoughtful responses.

Previous Experience Is Not the Only Consideration

The application asks whether applicants have previous experience in community engagement, advocacy, research or leadership.

Applicants who answer yes are asked to briefly describe their experience.

However, the application also allows applicants to indicate that they do not have previous experience. This means applicants should carefully answer the question honestly rather than assuming that they need extensive professional experience to apply.

Young people who have participated in community activities, student leadership, volunteer initiatives, research projects, advocacy campaigns or other forms of civic engagement may wish to explain these experiences clearly.

AI, Data and the Future of Public Policy

One of the distinctive elements of the Kaduna Youth Policy Lab 2026 is its emphasis on Artificial Intelligence and data-driven tools.

Applicants are asked how AI and data-driven tools can contribute to policy analysis, good governance and social change in Kaduna State.

This question gives applicants an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of how technology can support evidence-based decision-making.

For example, AI and data tools can potentially support policy work by helping stakeholders:

• Analyse large volumes of information.
• Identify trends and patterns in datasets.
• Support evidence-based research.
• Improve access to information.
• Identify emerging social and economic issues.
• Support monitoring and evaluation.
• Improve public service planning.
• Strengthen data-informed decision-making.

However, responsible use of AI also requires attention to issues such as data privacy, accuracy, bias, transparency, accountability and human oversight.

Applicants may therefore want to demonstrate a balanced understanding of both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with using AI in public policy.

Application Questions

Applicants will be required to respond to a series of questions designed to assess their background, interests, motivation and availability.

Some of the key questions include:

1. Why do you want to join the Kaduna Youth Policy Lab 2026?
2. How do you think AI and data-driven tools can contribute to policy analysis, good governance and social change in Kaduna State?
3. Which governance or policy issue interests you most?
4. Do you have previous experience in community engagement, advocacy, research or leadership?
5. What do you hope to learn from the programme?
6. Are you available to participate in the two-day non-residential bootcamp?
7. Are you willing to work with a team to develop a policy brief?
8. Are you willing to participate in a government advocacy visit?
9. Do you require any accessibility support to participate?

Applicants should take time to provide thoughtful and specific responses rather than submitting generic statements.

How to Strengthen Your Application

Because only 25 participants will be selected, applicants should make their responses as relevant and compelling as possible.

Demonstrate Your Interest in Governance

Explain what attracts you to governance and public policy and, where possible, connect your interest to a specific issue affecting communities in Kaduna State.

Be Specific About Your Motivation

Instead of simply stating that you want to “gain experience,” explain what you hope to learn and how you intend to use those skills after completing the programme.

Highlight Relevant Experience

If you have participated in research, student leadership, community initiatives, volunteering, advocacy, civic activities or other projects, briefly explain what you did and what you learned.

Connect Technology to Policy

Since the application specifically asks about AI and data-driven tools, applicants should demonstrate an understanding of how technology can support evidence-based policymaking while acknowledging the importance of responsible and ethical use.

Demonstrate Your Willingness to Collaborate

The programme involves teamwork and development of policy briefs. Applicants should therefore demonstrate that they are comfortable working with people who may have different perspectives and experiences.

Show Your Interest in Practical Impact

Strong applicants can explain how they would use the knowledge gained from the programme to contribute to their community, professional development or future policy and advocacy work.

Programme Participation Requirements

Applicants should carefully consider the practical participation requirements before applying.

Selected participants are expected to:

• Be available for the two-day non-residential bootcamp.
• Work collaboratively with other participants.
• Contribute to the development of a policy brief.
• Participate in relevant advocacy activities.
• Be willing to engage with government institutions as part of the programme.
• Provide complete and accurate information in the application form.

Applicants can also indicate whether they require accessibility support to participate.

Number of Participants

The Kaduna Youth Policy Lab 2026 is a selective programme.

Only 25 participants will be selected.

This limited cohort is likely to allow for a more focused learning environment, closer collaboration among participants and practical engagement around policy issues.

Application Deadline

Deadline: Not specified in the information provided.

Applicants should therefore check the official application form or programme announcement for any deadline or closing date before submitting their application.

APPLY HERE

How to Apply

Interested young people should complete the online application form and provide all the required information.

The application form is hosted on Google Forms and asks applicants to provide personal information, educational or occupational details, their policy interests, relevant experience, motivation and availability.

Applicants should carefully review all responses before submitting because the programme states that only 25 participants will be selected.

Visit HERE for more information about the Kaduna Youth Policy Lab 2026.

Conclusion

The Kaduna Youth Policy Lab 2026 presents an opportunity for young people in Kaduna State to strengthen their understanding of public policy, governance, accountability and evidence-based advocacy while developing practical research and policy-writing skills.

Through the two-day policy bootcamp, mentorship, teamwork, policy brief development and government advocacy engagements, participants will have the opportunity to move beyond theoretical discussions and gain practical exposure to policy processes.

The programme’s focus on AI, data-driven policy analysis, budget literacy, public expenditure, local government accountability, education financing and youth economic opportunities also makes it particularly relevant to young people interested in the future of governance and evidence-based decision-making.

With only 25 participants to be selected, eligible young people who are passionate about improving governance and creating positive change in their communities should prepare their applications carefully and clearly demonstrate their motivation, policy interests, relevant experiences and commitment to participating in the full programme.

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