Applications are now open!
Up to N150 Million in grants available to existing businesses or ventures
Acquire the Skills and Mentorship to turbocharge your career
The Young Professionals Bootcamp (YPB) is an intensive in-residence leadership and enterprise program designed to equip high performing young professionals with critical skills and mentorship to inspire innovation, drive success in the marketplace, and transform the Nigerian economy.
About the
Young Professionals Bootcamp (YPB)
The Young Professionals Bootcamp is a 3-day in-residence program designed to equip young people with world class practical training, inspire innovation, and accelerate solutions that will ultimately lead to the transformation of Nigeria.
300 candidates will be selected from a pool of numerous applications to go through the intensive professional bootcamp. Candidates also stand a chance of accessing mentorship opportunities and seed funding to scale their entrepreneurial endeavors.
The YPB has remained steadfast on its mission for a decade.
Fellows
Cohorts
Facilitators
Eligibility Criteria
Here is who we are looking for:
20 – 35 years old by June 2026
Final year student or graduate from a tertiary institution
Citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Passionate about solving problems and thriving in Nigeria
The YPB Advantage
Here are some of the reasons why you should apply for the Young Professionals Bootcamp (YPB).
Professional Skills
Fellows are exposed to critical skills, tools, and resources they require to thrive in their chosen career, via general training on leadership and curated sessions for entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, and creatives.
Mentorship
Fellows meet, engage and learn directly from the insightful stories and experiences of established industry mentors across business, corporate career and creative industry.
Community & Networking
Fellows connect with one another and nurture rewarding relationships that will accelerate their career trajectory in the short and long term.
Grant Funding and Support
Fellows will get the opportunity to pitch their existing enterprises for a chance to win a seed grant from a fund pool of up to N150 Million, and receive support to scale their ventures.
The Workstreams
We’ve designed three tracks to support ambitious change makers on their path.
Corporate Career
Develop essential skills for climbing the corporate ladder and making an impact in established organisations.
Entrepreneurship
Learn how to build, scale, and sustain innovative ventures that solve real problems in Nigeria and beyond.
Creative Industry
Hone your craft and learn the business of creativity across film, music, design, and the broader creative economy.
Program Timeline
Understand the key dates in the application process.
Previous Speakers
A selection of speakers from our cohorts
Pastor ‘Poju Oyemade
Senior Pastor, The Covenant Nation
Bolanle Austen-Peters
Founder, BAP Productions & Terrakulture
Steve Babaeko
CEO/Chief Creative Officer, X3M Ideas
Dr. Omobola Johnson
Senior Partner, TLCom Capital
Mai Atafo
Chief Creative Director, Atafo Africa
Ibukun Awosika
Entrepreneur, Author and Speaker
Kemi Adetiba
Movie producer, Writer and Director
Deyemi Okanlawon
Actor and Creative Entrepreneur
Ojoma Ochai
Managing Director, CcHUB
Adesola Sotande-Peters
Executive Director, Finance, Mastercard Foundation
Gaise Baba
Singer and Songwriter
Yemi Faseun
HR Thoughtleader
Salem King
Content Creator
Babajide Duroshola
General Manager, MKopa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Platform YPB?
The Platform Young Professionals Bootcamp (YPB) is a 3-day in-residence leadership and enterprise program designed to equip high-perfoming young professionals (20-35 year olds) with critical skills and mentorship to inspire innovation, drive success in the marketplace and transform the Nigerian economy.
How can I apply to the Bootcamp?
Please review thoroughly the content of this website. If you meet our eligibility criteria, we invite you to click here to apply now.
What are the entry requirements?
We have 4 major criteria: You must be between 20 to 35 years by June 2026. You should be a final year student or a graduate. You must be a citizen of Nigeria. Finally, you must demonstrate a burning desire to solve problems and thrive in Nigeria.
What are the areas of focus?
The bootcamp’s curriculum focuses on supporting young professionals across three broad streams which include: Entrepreneurship, Creative Industry and Corporate Career.
What is the cost to attend the YPB?
Application to the Young Professionals Bootcamp (YPB) is FREE. Attendance after selection is also FREE. However, interested participants must send in an application in line with the application requirements. Only the successful candidates will get to attend the bootcamp.
Does the bootcamp provide transportation, feeding and accommodation?
Successful candidates will be provided accommodation, feeding and training materials for the duration of the bootcamp. However, The Platform YPB does not cover the cost of transportation to and from the bootcamp.
What is the Grant component of the 2026 bootcamp and how do I apply?
Participants at the 2026 bootcamp have the opportunity to pitch for a grant. Up to N150 million available to support selected participants to scale their existing businesses or ventures. While we encourage participants with eligible businesses or ventures to apply for a grant, please note that this is not mandatory.
Participants who are only interested in the bootcamp should complete the standard application and ignore the additional requirements for the grant application. See more details in the application form.
Can I invite my friends within this age bracket to apply?
Absolutely. Please feel free to share details of the YPB with your friends and those in your network. Visit our Instagram and Twitter handles to share, like and comment.
Is YPB virtual or in-person?
We are planning an in-person bootcamp. However, the overall program will also include some virtual pre-bootcamp activities for selected fellows.
Can I have more details about the date and venue for the 2026 Bootcamp?
The bootcamp is slated to hold in June 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria. The exact venue will be communicated to successful candidates.
Is the bootcamp only available to Lagos residents?
No. The bootcamp is available to every Nigerian irrespective of where you live. Successful candidates will be provided accommodation for the duration of the bootcamp. However, the YPB does not cover the cost of transportation to and from the bootcamp.
How do I know I have been selected?
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via e-mail.
If I am selected, but cannot attend, can I transfer my admission to someone else?
Admission cannot be transferred. If you are unable to attend, your slot will be forfeited.
If I reside in Lagos, do I have to stay in camp or can I walk in and leave after each day’s session?
All participants at the bootcamp are required to stay on camp to enjoy the full benefits of the bootcamp.
Is there a dress code at the boocamp?
The dress code for the bootcamp is business casual. Participants are also encouraged to come along with comfortable clothing for sports/exercise, and appropriate dressing for a formal dinner.
How do I make further enquiries?
For further enquiries, please send us an email at platformypbteam@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Our Faculty
The Young Professionals Bootcamp is designed and led by top professionals.
Khafeel Dosunmu
Engagement Manager, Mckinsey & Company
Abiola Adewole
Executive Director, Oxfordblue Limited
Abdulsamod Balogun
Global Marketing Operations Manager, Generation
Funmi Thomas
Business Consultant, Ernst & Young
Oluyemi Adeosun
Principal Advisor Thought Leadership, Heirs Energies
Uzoamaka Amalu
Chief Operating Officer, Pirano Energy
Kingsley Oko
Chief Strategy Officer, LATC
Lolade Alonge
Chief of Staff, Koolboks
Chidinma Nkwocha
Lead Consultant, CAS Consult Nigeria Limited
Ayokunnu Ojeniyi
Managing Partner, Reverso Business Services
Temi Badru
Compere and Founder, Voices & Faces
Testimonials
What our past fellows are saying
★★★★★
Following rejections from other fellowships and programmes, YPB provided me with stories of inspiring people who have been able to change their deplorable circumstances. This gave me an opportunity to forge ahead in my career.
Kayode Alabi (Kayfactor)
YPB 2017
★★★★★
The Platform YPB surprised my team and I by massively supporting our business @lifeprofm through enormous grant funding and free publicity – live on National TV – which successfully attracted local and international customers. For my team and I, The Platform YPB was that quantum leap we so earnestly desired and we are eternally grateful to The Platform for being the channel through which God answered our prayers.
Adebowale Oparinu
YPB 2018
★★★★★
I left YPB with two things: questions and friendship. Two years after, the friendship has evolved into fellowship, the questions have materialized into purpose. YPB was a defining moment in my life.
Abiodun Jinadu
YPB 2018
★★★★★
At a point when I was very confused about how to chart a course in my career, YPB came as a game changer. I learnt how to navigate.
Victor Oyesina
YPB 2018
★★★★★
YPB for me was an opportunity to dream, think and plan. The best gift YPB has given me is the spirit of Collaboration, I had to work with fellows on camp and after camp. I collaborated with Amarachi Joel from the creative stream of YPB for a spoken word video shoot. YPB was a gift.
Chidinma Osigwe
YPB 2017
★★★★★
YPB was my first fellowship and it prepared me for leadership as I now head a technology team at Riby finance and also a developer advocate at Forloop Africa leading the charge for Africans to leverage on the power of software development and developers community. I have spoken at conferences, organized conferences, featured on blogs and newspapers and lastly I still do what I love. YPB 2017 fellows are the best. Can’t wait to see those beautiful faces again.
Ehinze Emeka
YPB 2017
★★★★★
YPB shaped my understanding of the necessary soft skills required for a successful corporate career. It prepared me to get my first job offer immediately after my National Youth Service Program (NYSC). Many thanks to Pastor Poju and YPB coordinators for availing me the opportunity to learn from top Industry experts.
Elijah Fabule
YPB 2016
★★★★★
YPB transformed my mentality. It opened my eyes to see that our purpose in life was beyond ourselves. It also caused me to believe in Nigeria once again. Finally, I saw the effect of teamwork, the place of God and the result of hard work.
Caleb Ojo
YPB 2017
★★★★★
After YPB, I became an international award winner, from one award to the other. I built useful networks and very importantly, met a roommate who challenged me and that was it, I exploded!!
Favour Ikhile
YPB 2018
Ready to lead a transformative change in Nigeria?
Join the Young Professionals Bootcamp to access the complete leadership toolkit and mentorship to accelerate your growth.