US Consulate, FIJ Launch Adejumobi Adegbite Fellowship for Young Journalists

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) is accepting applications for the Adejumobi Adegbite Fellowship for Young Journalists, a one-year program honoring the memory of the late journalist and U.S. Consulate Lagos’ Information Specialist, who passed away in July 2023.

With support from the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, the fellowship is open to early-career journalists with an interest in investigative, multimedia, and data-driven reporting.

FIJ’s goal for this fellowship is to empower 10 emerging journalists with no more than five years of experience in TV, radio, print, and online media to develop investigative, multimedia, ethical journalism and data-driven reporting through workshops and mentorship.

The 10 successful fellows will receive mobile journalism tools, guidance, and mentorship to produce impactful public interest stories.

U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Julie McKay noted that Adegbite was an outstanding journalist and a valuable member of the U.S. Consulate Public Diplomacy Section.

“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.”

Application Criteria

• The fellowship is open only to emerging Nigerian journalists with less than five years work experience. Interns, freelance journalists, part-time and full-time media professionals are eligible.
• This is a wholly Nigerian fellowship. Applicants must be active working journalists who are permanently resident in Nigeria and are not alumni or prior participants of any U.S. government exchange programs.
• Each journalist must submit two investigative stories published in the 24 months preceding the submission deadline.
• Entries that include features, analyses, and op-eds will be disqualified.
• Short-listed candidates must be available to participate in the opening and closing sessions in Lagos, and two online sessions in between.

How to Apply

Applicants are to email the following to programmes@fij.ng on or before Monday, May 26, 2025:

• Two investigative stories published in the 24 months preceding the submission deadline.
• A personal statement of not more than 1000 words examining what inspires you as a journalist, and how this fellowship can help you advance your career goals.
• A curriculum vitae.