SCOJA Fellowship 2025: Empowering Community Journalists and Advocates in Northern Nigeria
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
If you're a community journalist or advocate based in Northern Nigeria, the applications are now open for the 2025 Strengthening Community Journalism and Human Rights Advocacy (SCOJA) Fellowship. Hosted by the HumAngle Foundation, this fully funded fellowship aims to enhance accountability for human rights violations in rural areas and promote locally-led solutions to pressing challenges. Here's everything you need to know.
✍🏻 Fellowship Summary
Location: Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Kaduna, and Kano states
Organizer: HumAngle Foundation
Fellowship Type: Capacity Building Training
Target Group: Community journalists and human rights advocates
Fields of Focus: Community journalism, human rights advocacy, digital safety, climate change reporting, conflict-sensitive journalism, and more
Value & Coverage: Fully funded, including mentorship, training, stipend, and support for report development
Duration: 3-day training followed by a 6-month engagement period
Application Deadline: October 10, 2025
Start Date: Training sessions commence in November 2025
Eligible To: Journalists and advocates residing in the specified Northern Nigerian states
📚 Fellowship Overview
The SCOJA Fellowship comprises a 3-day intensive training held in three focal states—Kaduna, Plateau, and Borno—followed by a 6-month period where fellows will produce stories and engage in advocacy activities.
Training Topics Include:
Human rights and advocacy
Digital safety and physical security for journalists and activists
Techniques for reporting on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)
Accountability reporting and investigative journalism
Climate change reporting and advocacy
Conflict-sensitive reporting
Collaborating with community-based organizations (CBOs), government representatives, and development partners
Solutions journalism
Inclusive storytelling
Data-driven journalism and civic engagement
Countering misinformation and disinformation
Press freedom and navigating legal challenges
🎓 Fellowship Benefits
Mentorship: Guidance throughout the fellowship duration
Support: Assistance in developing reports and advocacy activities
Skill Acquisition: Training in advocacy, innovative reporting approaches, fact-checking, and safety/security measures
Networking: Opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration
Stipend: Financial support for the duration of the fellowship
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Reside in one of the target states: Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Kaduna, or Kano
Focus on specific communities, towns, or states in your work
Demonstrate a strong interest in community-led change and stakeholder engagement
Commit to 6 months of consistent engagement, producing reports and engaging with various stakeholders
Complete the skills audit before applying
Women are highly encouraged to apply
📄 Application Procedure
To apply for the SCOJA Fellowship:
Complete the skills audit form as required
Submit your application through the official application form
Ensure all required documents are included
Application Deadline: October 10, 2025
ℹ️For inquiries, contact: training@humangle.org
This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for community journalists and advocates in Northern Nigeria to enhance their skills, contribute to human rights advocacy, and make a tangible impact in their communities.
