West Africa International Fellowships Program

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The International Fellowships Program (IFP) is a program supported by the Ford Foundation, and coordinated in West Africa by the AAU in collaboration with Pathfinder International in Nigeria and the West African Research Center (WARC) in Senegal.

IFP provides fellowships for advanced study to exceptional individuals who will use their education to further development in their own countries and greater social and economic justice worldwide.

IFP fellowships will be awarded to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including social groups and communities that lack systematic access to higher education.

A total of 136 fellows have been recruited into the Nigeria program to support for the program when first started.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must:

  • Be residents or resident nationals of Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal.
  • Hold a Bachelor’s or equivalent as the case may be.
  • Have at least 3 years of work experience.
  • Have substantial experience in community service or development-related activities.
  • Possess leadership qualities/potential evidenced by their employment, academic experience, or at the community level.
  • Propose to pursue a Master's degree that will directly enhance their leadership capacity in a practical, policy, academic, or artistic discipline or field corresponding to one or more of the Foundation’s areas of endeavor.
  • Present a plan specifying how they will apply their studies to social problems or issues in their country.
  • Commit themselves to working on these issues following the Fellowship.
  • Females, refugees, and individuals with special needs are encouraged to apply.
  • US citizens and Green Card holders are not eligible.
  • Applicants should note that background checks will be run on short-listed candidates.