Character. Competence. Leadership.
Become the kind of leader your community needs.
The Lumiere Leadership Academy (LLA) equips young Africans with the character, leadership skills, practical experience and networks to lead responsibly, build meaningful careers and serve their communities.
- Programme start
- 7 January 2027, six-month pathway
- Who can apply
- Young Africans aged 18-30
- Delivery
- Online learning on Zoom and supervised practical placements
- Programme fee
- ₦20,000, in full or two instalments (USD 50 or GBP 50 outside Nigeria), with scholarships
Applications open 1 December 2026 and close 18 December 2026. Onboarding runs 20 to 31 December 2026. Applicants living outside Nigeria pay in US dollars or pounds sterling to cover international payment costs and to help fund scholarships for participants in Nigeria. LLA is a Lumiere Resources affiliated initiative whose registration is in progress; payments are collected by Lumiere Resources on its behalf.
About the Academy
Africa needs leaders who combine strong character with competence.
Africa needs leaders who combine strong character with the competence to solve problems and the conviction to serve. Yet many young people face barriers to quality leadership development, mentorship, professional networks and practical work experience. Lumiere Leadership Academy exists to help bridge that gap.
Our six-month pilot brings together a cohort of approximately 20-30 participants for structured learning, peer engagement and practical application.
Our Vision
A transformed Africa led by a new generation of ethical, competent and responsible civic leaders and nation builders.
Our Mission
To equip underserved African youth with the character, competence, leadership capacity, practical opportunities and networks required to lead themselves, create value, serve their communities and contribute to national transformation.
Your six-month leadership journey
Three phases, each building on the last.
Phase 1: Change Makers
10 weeks | 5 sessions
Understand yourself, your values and the world around you. Explore the historical, social and psychological influences that shape how you think, work and lead.
- Origins and history
- Values, character and work ethics
- Mindsets, attitudes, belief systems and emotional intelligence
- Psychological decolonisation
- Citizen education, civic engagement and community organising
Phase 2: Leading Aright
6 weeks | 4 sessions
Develop the practical competencies to lead ethically and work effectively with others.
- Ethical leadership and civic responsibility
- Communication and teamwork
- Problem-solving and systems thinking
- Decision-making and service
Phase 3: MATCH
8 weeks | Supervised placement
Put your learning into practice. Eligible participants progress to a supervised internship or applied placement with mentoring and guidance, in person, remote or hybrid depending on the host organisation. A placement or job is not guaranteed for every participant.
- Professional conduct
- Practical application
- Developing workplace skills
Who should apply, and what we ask of you
Who should apply?
The programme is for young Africans aged 18-30, with initial priority given to Nigerian applicants. You are encouraged to apply if you are a:
- Student or recent graduate
- Early-career professional
- Emerging entrepreneur
- Volunteer or community actor
You do not need to hold a formal leadership position. We are interested in your potential, your willingness to grow and your commitment to leadership and service.
Eligibility and expectations
- Aged 18-30 and available throughout the six-month programme
- Able to access a basic internet-enabled device
- Eligible to undertake an internship or applied placement if selected for MATCH
- Attend at least 4 of 5 Change Makers sessions and 3 of 4 Leading Aright sessions (a session counts at 45 minutes of 60)
- Complete assessments and deliverables, follow the code of conduct, and engage with peers and mentors
We also consider values alignment, financial or opportunity barriers, and the importance of diversity across gender, geography, education and experience.
What makes the Academy different, and what you will gain
Different by design
- Learning grounded in African realities
- Accessible, mobile-friendly, low-bandwidth online sessions
- A supportive cohort that encourages accountability
- Practical experience through a supervised placement, subject to eligibility and availability
What you will gain
- Character and self-leadership
- Leadership competence: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, systems thinking and decision-making
- Civic responsibility
- Professional relationships with peers, mentors, facilitators and partners
A continuing community
After the programme you can join the Lumiere Leadership Network, our lifelong community for graduates.
Programme fees and scholarships
The programme fee is ₦20,000 for the full six-month pathway, payable in full or in two equal instalments. Applicants living outside Nigeria pay USD 50 or GBP 50. You pay only after you are selected.
We recognise that financial barriers can prevent qualified young people from accessing valuable development opportunities. Scholarship support may be available to eligible applicants who need financial assistance, subject to available funding. If cost or another barrier may affect your participation, indicate this in your application. Your circumstances will be considered within the resources available to the programme, and will be seen only by the programme manager and the Executive Director.
Individuals, alumni, businesses, churches and philanthropists can support access by sponsoring full or partial scholarship places.
How to apply
Step 1
Complete the application form
Tell us about your background, motivation, leadership interests and any barriers to access we should consider.
Step 2
Application review
Eligible applications are assessed against documented selection criteria by the Selection or Review Panel.
Step 3
Receive your outcome
Selected applicants receive information about the programme, fees, scholarship support and next steps.
Step 4
Begin your journey
Prepare for orientation and the six-month pathway of learning, development and practical application.
Our commitment to your safety
We are committed to creating a responsible learning and placement environment. Our safeguarding measures include:
- A designated contact for participant welfare, misconduct, placement and data concerns
- An independent external reporting channel for safeguarding and misconduct concerns, including concerns involving programme leadership
- Vetting and orientation for MATCH host organisations on their supervisory and safeguarding responsibilities before placements begin
Further information on reporting procedures and participant responsibilities will be provided through the Participant Handbook and programme orientation.
Read our safeguarding commitments and raise a concern in confidence
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply?
Young Africans aged 18-30 can apply, with initial priority given to Nigerians. Priority is a preference only: every applicant who meets the criteria is reviewed. Students, graduates, early-career professionals, emerging entrepreneurs, volunteers and community actors are encouraged to apply.
Do I need previous leadership experience?
No. You do not need a formal leadership position. We look for potential, openness to growth, values alignment and an interest in leadership and service.
How long is the programme?
The pilot starts on 7 January 2027 and runs for about six months. It comprises Change Makers, Leading Aright and MATCH, a supervised placement phase for eligible participants.
How much does it cost?
The fee is ₦20,000 for the full pathway. You can pay it in full, or in two equal instalments of ₦10,000, the second due on 28 February 2027. Applicants living outside Nigeria pay USD 50 or GBP 50. Full or partial scholarships may be available, subject to funding.
Is the programme online or in person?
The learning courses are delivered online on Zoom, designed for mobile devices and low-bandwidth access. MATCH placements may be remote, in person or hybrid, depending on the host organisation.
How much time must I commit?
You must be available for the six-month pathway, attend at least 4 of 5 Change Makers sessions and at least 3 of 4 Leading Aright sessions (a session counts if you attend at least 45 minutes of a 60-minute session), complete assessments and deliverables, engage with peers and mentors, and fulfil MATCH requirements if you progress.
Is an internship or job guaranteed?
No. MATCH is a progression-based placement opportunity, subject to eligibility and the availability of suitable placements. LLA does not guarantee an internship or employment for every participant.
Do I have to join the Lumiere Leadership Network?
No. After the Academy, graduates may choose to join the Lumiere Leadership Network, a Christian-faith community. Joining is entirely optional and is never a condition of applying to, taking part in or graduating from the Academy.
Will I receive a certificate?
Participants who meet the applicable completion requirements will receive recognition of their participation and completion. Specific certification arrangements will be communicated by the programme team.
What if I cannot afford the fee?
You can indicate your financial circumstances in your application. Scholarship support may be available, subject to funding. This information is seen only by the programme manager and the Executive Director.
What happens after graduation?
You can join the Lumiere Leadership Network to continue learning, build relationships, contribute to research and participate in community initiatives. Joining the Network is optional.