Interested in the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship?
Some questions on the Fellowship answered.
In August 2019, I joined the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship programme which gave me a chance to not just work in public service but also learn about it. It has been a rich experience for me and I’ve gotten a couple of questions about the Fellowship.
It is pretty tiring answering the questions individually so I thought putting it here would help others curious about the program. I do hope it provides some clarity for those looking to apply when applications open up in March.
Here are the questions in no particular order:
1. What exactly is this Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship?
I think the information on the website is clear enough. Here’s what’s on the website —
“is a one-year non-partisan leadership training programme for young Nigerians between the age of 25–35 years. The one-year Fellowship aims to create a network of high potential young Nigerians who are expected to rise to top leadership positions in the public sector and other spheres of activity over the next decade.”
For me, the Fellowship has been an intense crash course on understanding the Nigerian Public Service space and also an avenue to hone leadership skills. Consider it an Executive MBA. It also is a great entry point to starting a career in the public service.
2. Is this programme worth it?
Yes! If you’re truly interested in public service and giving back to the community especially in Nigeria, I believe this is one of the best ways to get started. This is because, you’re guided and supported by people with prior experience.
The program allows you to build a decent foundation and most importantly gain access and build a network with persons that you would ordinarily not meet.
3. How do I have an edge with my application?
Honestly, I don’t know. I’m part of the second cohort and I don’t have enough data to advice on this. There’s a committee that looks at the application and selects on merit.
Though your educational background and work experience may give you an edge, the only thing I can say with certainty is, do not plagiarise the application essay.
4. What is the level of commitment (most especially time) needed to make an impact when/if selected.
Hmmm. This program requires FULL commitment. It is DEMANDING. Typing it here really does not communicate the extent till you get started.
Where I see you able to make impact is through recommendations to your assigned MDA and also to the Governor via the monthly reports of work done. You are expected to advice on policies also.
On making impact, my thought here is that, the timing is quite short for you to see through whatever idea you want improved upon or implemented especially if you have no prior knowledge of public service. The quarterly rotation across MDAs (Ministries, Departments and Agencies) means that you have at most, 3 months at an agency to understand the processes.
5. What’s that one mistake that I shouldn’t make when writing my essay?
Not everyone may be a good writer but avoid plagiarism at all cost. I think that is the first filter for all applicants.
The essay topic is always different however, you can have a look at my application essay if it gives you perspective.
6. What have you learnt?
This is a really hard one because I’ve learnt quite a couple of things.
Prioritising and improved time management: There are a million and one things needing your attention at almost any point here. One call can switch up your whole week. And the challenge is, it never stops. One needs to learn to prioritise.
It is important to get involved: This lesson continues to stick out for me in this programme. We can’t sit by the sidelines and articulate progress. If you want to see things get better, you have to work at it. You have to get involved.
People Skills: As one who does not like a lot of interaction, I hate how relevant this is. People skills/interpersonal skills remain important.
Perception of Public Service: This may not cut across board but contrary to what I thought, a number of these public servants are some of the smartest and most hardworking people I have seen genuinely interested in improving the lot of people.
There is a whole lot but I’ll stop here.
7. Will you remain in public service after the programme?
I would love to remain in public service however, I’m yet to decide what I want to do after the program.
8. Should I leave my current job as a civil servant* and join the Fellowship if I get selected?
Yes. I think you are even a more perfect fit for the Fellowship if you get selected.
9. I just completed my NYSC. Do I stand a chance of getting selected?
The only way to find out is to apply. If you don’t, you most certainly will not get in. Give it a shot.
10. What will you say was personally the most benefit the program has had on you?
This is a hard one. Personally, I had 2 things I clearly set out to achieve when I applied for this program and I’ve been able to achieve them. Asides that, if I’d say what the benefit is, it’d be getting my foot in the door of public service and also access to a network of people that would ordinarily be a challenge.
11. Is this open to anyone?
Yes, the program is open to all Nigerians from all states of the Federation. I think from my name, you can guess I’m not from Kaduna State per se. The program focuses on Nigerians which is what you need to be to apply.
12. Will I be safe in Kaduna?
For those who have never been to Northern Nigeria or Kaduna to be more specific, it is normal to have security concerns however, I’d like to say that Kaduna is safe.
13. Must the Recommendation Letter be academic?
The recommendation letter does not have to be from an academic reference. I used references who I had only worked and interacted with.
14. Does the office of my recommender affect the weight of the recommendation letter?
I honestly have no idea what weight is attached to the recommendation letter in the application process. The weight attached could increase or reduce with this new set of applications.
15. Must I be 25 before the start of the Fellowship?
Yes, you have to be 25 upon resumption of the Fellowship.
16. Will I be fully-engaged for a year if selected?
This programme is DEMANDING (capitalised for emphasis). You will be involved in a number of activities, programmes, travel, workshops and seminars. Other activities may come up and this is in addition to your daily work at whatever MDA you are posted to. A lot of commitment is required and if you have any other work commitment, you are required to let go of that and commit fully to this upon agreeing to be a part of the Fellowship.
This should not scare but let you know that it is a commitment. Go ahead and apply.
I’ve tried as much as I can to share however, I think the website is very clear on whatever questions you have.
If you have further questions, do leave a comment and I will update this piece with a response as soon as I get them.
Don’t forget to leave 50 claps if you found this helpful.
