The Nigeria Non-Residential Fellowship Programme by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) offers an opportunity for experienced researchers and policy professionals in Nigeria to contribute to evidence-based policy research and advocacy. The NESG Non-Residential Fellowship Programme is designed for PhD and MSc holders with substantial research or development experience, with Cohort 3 focusing on Human Capital Development, Macroeconomics and Labour Market, and Agro-Industrial Transformation and Food Systems.
Background & Fellowship Description
The NESG Non-Residential Fellowship Programme (NRFP) is a policy research fellowship created to strengthen the connection between academic research, evidence and public policy in Nigeria.
The programme brings together experienced professionals from academia, research institutions and the private sector. Fellows contribute their expertise to research and advocacy supporting the Nigerian Economic Summit Group’s mandate of promoting a competitive economy and sustainable economic development through evidence-based policy.
The programme is structured as a 24-month fellowship, making it particularly relevant for established researchers and policy thinkers who want to develop research that can contribute to policy discussions in Nigeria.
Unlike a residential fellowship, the NRFP is designed around a non-residential structure, allowing working experts to participate while continuing their professional activities.
Fellows are expected to commit approximately 5–8 hours per week to programme activities.
Programme Focus Areas
Cohort 3 is organized around three major thematic tracks.
1. Human Capital Development
The Human Capital Development track focuses on policy ideas that can improve health, education, skills development and the efficiency of public investment in people.
Areas of focus include:
- Investment in the health sector
- Investment in education and skills
- Fiscal efficiency in human capital spending
Researchers interested in health policy, education policy, skills development and public expenditure can position their expertise within this track.
2. Macroeconomics and Labour Market
The Macroeconomics and Labour Market track examines ways to strengthen macroeconomic stability, labour-force participation and livelihoods through evidence-based policy reforms.
The listed focus area is:
- Investment in labour force participation and livelihoods
This track may be particularly relevant to researchers working on labour markets, employment, economic policy and livelihoods.
3. Agro-Industrial Transformation and Food Systems
The third track focuses on agricultural transformation and food systems, with an emphasis on policies that can strengthen productivity and resilience.
The identified focus area is:
- Implementing the National Livestock Master Plan (N-LMP)
Applicants with relevant research or policy expertise in agriculture, livestock, food systems and agro-industrial development can align their application with this thematic area.
Fellowship Duration and Commitment
The programme has a stated duration of:
24 months
Fellows should expect to dedicate approximately:
5–8 hours per week
The programme is built around research, writing, discussion and policy exchange. According to the programme information, fellows are expected to contribute policy-relevant research outputs during the fellowship.
The programme overview identifies three policy brief outputs as part of the fellowship structure.
Eligibility Requirements
The NESG NRFP is intended for experienced researchers and policy professionals, rather than students or early-career applicants without substantial professional experience.
Applicants must meet the stated academic and professional requirements.
PhD Applicants
Applicants holding a PhD in the sciences, social sciences or management sciences should have at least five years of experience in research or development.
MSc Applicants
Applicants holding an MSc may also apply if they have at least eight years of relevant experience.
In addition to academic qualifications and professional experience, applicants should demonstrate strong written and spoken English skills.
Strong writing ability is particularly important because the fellowship involves producing clear, structured and analytical policy outputs.
Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to advancing the NESG mandate through evidence-based research and advocacy.
They are expected to participate fully in the programme and contribute to its required deliverables.
The current Cohort 3 call is open only to residents of Nigeria.
Previous participants in the NESG Non-Residential Fellowship Programme are not eligible to apply.
Application Requirements
Applicants for Cohort 3 are required to provide several supporting documents.
These include:
- A passport photograph
- An updated curriculum vitae (CV)
- At least one recent research work or supporting publication
- A statement of purpose explaining the applicant’s expertise and intended contribution
- A signed applicant declaration
The statement of purpose is particularly important because applicants are expected to demonstrate how their expertise connects with the fellowship’s thematic priorities and how they intend to contribute to the programme.
Applicants should therefore clearly present their research experience, policy interests and relevant publications.
Application Deadline
The application deadline stated by NESG for Cohort 3 is:
16 August 2026
The call is therefore already closed as of 24 August 2026, based on the deadline provided in the source material.
Researchers interested in future cohorts can monitor the official NESG fellowship page for announcements about new application rounds.
NESG Non-Residential Fellowship Programme
Previous Fellowship Research
The programme’s previous cohorts demonstrate the range of policy issues addressed through the fellowship.
Examples include research on:
- Nigeria’s engagement with the BRICS Alliance
- Exchange rate misalignment and economic growth
- Nigeria’s energy transition strategy
- Fiscal discipline in Nigeria
- Nigeria’s Startup Act 2022
- Monetary-fiscal alignment and policy coordination
These examples show the programme’s emphasis on research that connects academic and professional expertise with practical policy questions.
Why the Fellowship Matters
The NRFP provides an avenue for experienced researchers to move beyond academic research and contribute to policy discussions with practical relevance.
Its non-residential structure can also make it suitable for professionals who want to participate in a long-term research and policy programme without leaving their existing work environment.
The three Cohort 3 thematic tracks provide a defined framework for applicants to connect their expertise with current policy priorities.
For researchers working in human capital development, macroeconomics, labour markets, agriculture, livestock or food systems, the programme offers a structured platform for contributing to evidence-based policy conversations.
How to Apply
The official programme page provides the Cohort 3 application route and supporting information.
Start the NESG Cohort 3 Application
Applicants with questions can contact the programme through seniorfellows@nesgroup.org.
Because the stated Cohort 3 deadline was 16 August 2026, prospective applicants should verify whether NESG has announced an extension or subsequent application round before submitting materials.
Final Takeaway
The Nigeria Non-Residential Fellowship Programme is a 24-month policy research opportunity for experienced researchers and policy professionals resident in Nigeria. The programme seeks to strengthen evidence-based policymaking by connecting researchers, academics and private-sector experts with policy research and advocacy.
Cohort 3 focuses on Human Capital Development, Macroeconomics and Labour Market, and Agro-Industrial Transformation & Food Systems. Eligible applicants include PhD holders with at least five years of research or development experience and MSc holders with at least eight years of relevant experience.
The published application deadline was 16 August 2026, which has passed. Interested researchers should check NESG’s official website for any extension or future fellowship opportunities.
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