May 29, 2025 In Case Stories By WACSI
Not Too Young to Lead: WACSI’s Internship Programme Breaks Career Barriers in Nigeria
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Nigeria is home to one of the largest youth populations in the world. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), about 60% of Nigeria’s population are under the age of 25 (UNFPA Nigeria, 2020). This vast youth demographic holds immense potential to drive social, economic, and political transformation. Yet, many young Nigerians face significant obstacles to meaningful civic participation. Structural barriers, limited access to leadership opportunities, and societal perceptions often exclude youth voices from decision-making arenas where their futures are shaped (World Bank, 2021).
Against this backdrop of untapped potential and persistent challenges, Ijeoma Kalu Azuma’s story mirrors the aspirations of millions of Nigerian youth eager to make a difference. Her strong desire to make a meaningful impact and advance the quality of life for young Nigerians motivated her to respond to West Africa Civil Society Institute’s (WACSI) call for interns during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Weeks after applying and going through the scrupulous selection process, when Azuma opened her inbox and saw the acceptance email from WACSI, it was not just good news—it was a life changing opportunity.
At the time, the world was in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many young people, Azuma found herself uncertain about the future. In Nigeria, lockdowns had confined millions to their homes, and career prospects had dimmed overnight. Yet, from that moment, her journey into civic leadership began to take shape in ways she never imagined.
But that single email marked a turning point. It was not just an invitation to join WACSI’s prestigious Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) — it was the beginning of her transformation into a civic leader.
Reflecting on that memorable moment, Azuma shared, “the day I received the mail, I was overjoyed because it was the first time I got into a programme applied for without internal connections.”
The Next Generation Internship Programme, established by WACSI in 2008, is a flagship initiative aimed at equipping young West Africans with skills, networks, and real-world experience to lead in civil society and other sectors in society.
However, in 2020, with the pandemic restrictions, the internship took a new shape: fully virtual. No face-to-face meetings, just determination and commitment through dedicated online engagements.
Placed in WACSI’s Policy Influencing and Advocacy Unit, Azuma plunged into an intense learning journey.
“My time with WACSI opened me up to a new world of working remotely and exposed me to top-notch experts in the development sector. I learnt the art of working virtually while remaining productive,” she said.
This virtual immersion was not passive. She contributed to research, policy briefs, and advocacy strategies, learning how civil society organisations wield influence even in times of crisis.
The internship was more than theoretical learning; it was an immersion into the heart of civic leadership during a time of global crisis. For Azuma, this experience went beyond her initial expectations. At the outset, she had shared hopes of gaining practical insights into leadership, mentorship, and impact-driven work.
What she encountered was far more transformative. Each virtual session, every project briefing, and mentor feedback interaction did not just inform her—they challenged and refined her leadership skills, expanded her worldview, and ignited a deeper passion for civic engagement. The internship became a proving ground where her aspirations met real-world experience, affirming her potential as a future changemaker.
The transformational moment came during the externship phase when WACSI placed her with LEAP Africa in November 2020, a premier Nigerian organisation dedicated to youth leadership development.
Here, her potential blossomed into action. Azuma’s dedication, skills, and clarity of vision distinguished her throughout the internship and left a lasting impression. These qualities led to a swift transition from intern to staff when she was invited back in 2022 as a Special Project Officer. Her impact in that role was immediate and undeniable, earning her a full-time appointment as Programme Officer in May 2023. Since then, she has steadily grown, taking on greater responsibility and leadership, and now serves as Programmes Coordinator for Youth Leadership Development Programme .
“My experience with WACSI prepared me for this job. I still reference lessons from the internship when implementing youth-centred programmes.
“It built my confidence to embrace opportunities, manage people, and navigate life post-COVID,” she said.
Today, as the Coordinator for the Youth Leadership Development Programme for LEAP Africa, Azuma leads initiatives that empower Nigerian youth to actively engage in governance, civic participation, and community development.
The ripple effect is tangible. Through the spaces she curates and the workshops she facilitates, Azuma equips young people with the civic knowledge, confidence, and sense of agency they need to step into leadership. Her work does not just inform, it inspires a new generation to see themselves as changemakers capable of shaping their communities and beyond.
Her journey embodies the power of investing in youth leadership. Since 2008, WACSI’s NGIP has trained eighty (80) young Africans, many of whom are now leading efforts in governance, democracy, human rights, and social justice across the continent.
As former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan once said: “The strength of any nation lies in the hands of its youth.” Azuma’s story gives life to this truth.
From the quiet of her lockdown room to the forefront of youth leadership in Nigeria, she proves that youth are not too young to lead—they are the leaders shaping Africa’s tomorrow.
She was not too young to lead; she was simply waiting for someone to believe in her.
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Are you interested in contributing to groom the next generation of leaders?
Donate to Support the Next Generation Internship Programme.
A contribution of just USD $10 to the Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) can help shape another young leader like Azuma. Support the future of Africa today.
To donate, contact us at info@wacsi.org
Also read the inspiring story of our 2019 NGIP Alumna, Carmelle Marie Sergine Kabore.
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