Soy Excellence Centre (SEC) Fellowship Program

Deadline : July 31, 2025,

Description

The Soy Excellence Centre (SEC) Fellowship Program, organized in collaboration with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), is a comprehensive initiative aimed at equipping Nigerian youth with practical skills and knowledge in the soybean value chain. The program seeks to address unemployment and underemployment by fostering expertise in soybean production, processing, marketing, and related agribusiness activities. It combines theoretical training, hands-on fieldwork, mentorship, and networking opportunities to prepare participants for careers or entrepreneurial ventures in the agricultural sector.

The fellowship spans 12 months and is structured to provide immersive learning experiences. Participants engage in training modules covering agronomy, post-harvest handling, value-added processing, and market linkages. The program also emphasizes leadership development and entrepreneurial skills, enabling fellows to contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and food security. The SEC Fellowship is part of a broader mission to enhance the soybean industry’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the SEC Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality and Residency: Must be a Nigerian citizen and currently residing in Nigeria.
• Age: Applicants should be between 18 and 35 years old as of the application deadline (July 31, 2025). Alternatively, those over 35 with less than one year of experience in the soybean value chain or related agricultural fields may also apply.
• Educational Background: A minimum of a secondary school certificate is required. Higher qualifications (e.g., diploma, bachelor’s degree) in agriculture, agribusiness, or related fields are advantageous but not mandatory.
• Interest and Commitment: Demonstrated interest in agriculture, particularly the soybean value chain, or experience in public health, community projects, or agriculture-related NGOs. Candidates must show a commitment to applying acquired skills post-fellowship.
• Availability: Must be available to participate full-time in the 12-month fellowship, dedicating approximately 40 hours per week to training, fieldwork, and related activities.
• Technical Requirements: Possession of a smartphone with data capabilities to engage in virtual components (e.g., WhatsApp, Zoom) of the program.
• Recommendation: A letter of recommendation from a credible source, such as a university dean, NYSC place of primary assignment, or a respected organization, attesting to the candidate’s character and leadership potential.
• Language Proficiency: Proficient communication in English, as all program activities and support are offered in English. Reasonable accommodations are available for participants with visual, hearing, or speech impairments.
• Other Considerations:
  • Applicants must not be current fellows or founding team members of another SEC Fellowship cohort.
  • Preference may be given to candidates from states with significant soybean production or potential.
  • Candidates should exhibit analytical skills and an entrepreneurial drive.

Benefits

The SEC Fellowship Program offers a range of benefits to support participants’ professional and personal growth:

• Financial Support: Fellows receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses during the 12-month program, ensuring they can focus on learning without financial strain. The exact stipend amount is not specified but is designed to be competitive for Nigerian youth programs.
• Training and Skill Development: Access to comprehensive training modules delivered by industry experts, covering:
  • Soybean agronomy and sustainable farming practices.
  • Post-harvest handling and storage techniques.
  • Value-added processing (e.g., soy milk, soy oil, animal feed).
  • Agribusiness management, marketing, and market linkages.
• Fieldwork Opportunities: Practical, hands-on experience through fieldwork in soybean farms, processing facilities, or related enterprises, enabling real-world application of skills.
• Mentorship: Personalized guidance from experienced mentors in the soybean industry, providing career advice, technical expertise, and networking support.
• Seed Funding: A USD 1,000 seed fund is provided to each fellow to kickstart a soybean-related project or business venture upon completion of the program, fostering entrepreneurship.
• Networking: Access to a global and local network of soybean industry stakeholders, including USSEC partners, agribusiness leaders, and fellow alumni, enhancing career and business opportunities.
• Competitive Grant Opportunity: Fellows can compete for a USD 10,000 grand prize awarded to the most impactful foresight-driven project developed during the fellowship, providing additional resources for scaling initiatives.
• Certification: A certificate of completion from the Soy Excellence Centre, recognized by industry partners, enhancing fellows’ credibility in the agricultural sector.
• Career and Entrepreneurial Support: Post-fellowship support, including job placement assistance or guidance for launching soybean-related enterprises, ensuring long-term impact.

How To Apply

To apply for the 2025 SEC Fellowship Program, follow these detailed steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria listed above to ensure you qualify. Visit https://soyfellowship.com.ng/ for any additional program-specific requirements.
2. Access the Application Portal:
   1. Navigate to the official SEC Fellowship website: https://soyfellowship.com.ng/Locate the application section or click on the “Apply Now” button.
   1. Create a candidate account on the application platform, which may require a valid email address and phone number for verification.
3. Complete the Online Application Form:
   1. Fill out all required fields, including personal details (name, age, contact information), educational background, and work or volunteer experience.
   1. Provide a statement of interest (typically 300–500 words) explaining your motivation for joining the fellowship, your interest in the soybean value chain, and how you plan to apply the skills gained.
   1. Answer any additional questions related to your leadership experience, entrepreneurial aspirations, or community involvement.
4. Upload Required Documents:
   1. Resume/CV: A concise document (1–2 pages) outlining your educational and professional background.
   1. Recommendation Letter: A signed letter from a credible source (e.g., university dean, NYSC supervisor, or organization leader) attesting to your character and leadership potential.
   1. Academic Transcripts or Certificates: Scanned copies of your secondary school certificate or higher qualifications. If not in English, include a certified translated copy.
   1. Proof of Identity: A valid government-issued ID (e.g., national ID, voter’s card, or passport).
   1. Optional Documents: Evidence of prior agricultural projects, community initiatives, or relevant certifications may strengthen your application.
5. Technical Requirements:
   1. Ensure all uploaded files are in PDF format, with file names limited to 50 characters and using standard characters (no special characters like “&”, “*”, or “#”).
   1. File sizes should be optimized to meet platform requirements (typically under 5MB per file).
6. Submit Application:
   1. Review your application for accuracy and completeness. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised, so proofread carefully.
   1. Submit the application before the deadline: July 31, 2025, at 23:59 GMT+1.
   1. You will receive a confirmation email upon successful submission. Retain this for your records.
7. Selection Process:
   1. Applications are screened for eligibility and completeness by the SEC team.
   1. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual or in-person interview or aptitude test between August and October 2025.
   1. Final selection is conducted by a panel of judges, with results announced in November 2025.
   1. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Due to high application volumes, individualized feedback is not provided.
8. Additional Tips:
   1. Start your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
   1. Ensure a stable internet connection and a functional smartphone for virtual components.
   1. Contact the SEC support team at info@soyfellowship.com.ng or via phone numbers listed on the website for inquiries, but note that personal interviews are not granted during the application process.

Together for a Better Tomorrow