The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has announced the opening of applications for the Adejumobi Adegbite Fellowship for Young Journalists. This one-year program is established in memory of the late journalist and U.S. Consulate Lagos’ Information Specialist, who passed away in July 2023.
Supported by the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, the fellowship aims to nurture early-career journalists interested in investigative, multimedia, and data-driven reporting. FIJ's objective is to empower ten emerging journalists with no more than five years of experience across TV, radio, print, and online media. The program includes workshops and mentorship to develop skills in investigative journalism.
Successful fellows will receive mobile journalism tools along with guidance and mentorship to create impactful public interest stories. Julie McKay, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer, remarked on Adegbite's contribution: “We’re grateful to the Foundation for Investigative Journalism for partnering with us to honor Adegbite’s legacy in this meaningful way and for inspiring the next generation of reporters to pursue journalism with integrity and excellence.”
Eligibility criteria specify that applicants must be Nigerian journalists with less than five years of work experience. The fellowship is open to interns, freelance journalists, part-time, and full-time media professionals who are permanently resident in Nigeria and have not participated in any U.S. government exchange programs previously.
Applicants need to submit two investigative stories published within 24 months before the submission deadline. Features, analyses, or op-eds will not be considered. Short-listed candidates must attend sessions in Lagos and participate in two online sessions.
To apply, candidates should email their application including two investigative stories published within 24 months before May 26, 2025; a personal statement up to 1000 words detailing their journalistic inspiration; and a curriculum vitae to programmes@fij.ng by Monday, May 26, 2025.