Can I send an entry as an individual or must I have a team?

Only entries from teams will be considered; each team must have 3 to 4 students who are currently full or part-time undergraduates students from the same university with evidence of current enrollment in form of school ID card or course registration form. Applicants are encouraged to select their own team members by themselves.Just ONE entry is expected from a team. Video entries must be collated and merged into one video entry which is then submitted via the specified channel.The names of team members must be listed on the registration form. Any changes to team members must be in writing and approved by the NYFF/LEAP Africa team

What style of debate should my team use?

A debate is a formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting in which opposing arguments are put forward. The Youth Leadership Debates Competition shall adopt the Karl Popper debate style. All video entries must adopt this style.

Would my team be given a debate topic to address?

In the first phase of the debate, you are allowed to address any socio economic issue of your choice from the focus areas of the NYFF. However, in subsequent phases, you will be assigned a debate topic.

Do I need to pay to participate in this competition?

Application for and participation in the competition, including enrollment on the Leadership Accelerator Course, are completely free. However, you are responsible for the purchase of internet data to participate in the programme.

Can I have a graduate colleague on the team?

While this competition is designed for undergraduate students of Nigerian tertiary institutions, applicants are allowed to have AT MOST 1 graduate team member with NOT MORE THAN 2 years post-graduation experience. This graduate member CANNOT serve as the leader of the team. He/she is encouraged to only serve as a research assistant for the team.

Should debaters choose what side of a specific topic they should debate on?

For the video entries, applicants are encouraged to debate on whichever side they are persuaded, whether for or against. Subsequently, participants shall be assigned sides to debate through a ballot system.

What is the dress code for the entry video?

Applicants are encouraged to appear in business casual outfits in the entry video.

When is the deadline for submissions?

The deadline for submissions is xxx

Are all team members required to speak for the duration of the video?

It is advised that applicants showcase the strength of their team by having ONLY 2 team members speak for the duration of the video. The graduate research assistant may not speak in the entry video. However, all team members must be named during the submission process.

What should be the duration of the entry video?

The entry video must not exceed 5 minutes.

Youth Leadership
Development Programme

Young Hearts, Hands and Voices for Social Change

Nigerian youths are pressed for action and eager to lead and create change. However, there are questions about whether they have all the knowledge and skills required to succeed in such positions. Do they have the right models to follow? Do they fully understand what it means to lead themselves first and then others?

To bridge this gap, LEAP Africa designed the Youth Leadership Development Programme to equip undergraduates in tertiary institutions with the skills, knowledge and resources needed to play active roles in actualising the Sustainable Development Goals, contribute to nation-building and community development, speak up for social issues and collaborate to lead change.

The Nigerian Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) Young Hearts3

The Nigerian Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) Young Hearts1

Participants of the YLDP go through self-paced courses developed on the programme’s three pillars: leadership, active citizenship and community/sustainable development group mentorship sessions with expert social innovators and change makers who will guide them as they implement impactful change projects, inter-school debates on national issues, funded community change projects, and virtual learning sessions to develop their mindsets and equip them to be the change agents the country needs.

The Youth Leadership Development Programme will help young people become contributing members of society and empower young people to actively engage in addressing issues of national concern while fostering peer-to-peer learning and community building.

View the Programme’s Central Courses