We are Young Professionals in Policy and Development
We are Young Professionals in Policy and Development
We have compiled this guide to address the most common inquiries we receive. Empower yourself with knowledge so we can build a better Nigeria together.
Our approach at Young Professionals in Policy and Development (YouPaD) is methodical and grounded in a "policy-to-action" framework. We begin by conducting rigorous, data-driven research on a specific issue, such as climate finance or youth inclusion in governance, to build an evidence-based foundation for our advocacy. The findings from this research are consolidated into accessible policy briefs, which are then used as the primary tool for engagement. We convene multi-stakeholder dialogues, bringing policymakers, civil society partners, community leaders, and youth representatives to the table to discuss these findings and co-create practical, actionable solutions.
This process ensures that our recommendations are not merely theoretical but are vetted by the very people they will affect. For example, our Earth Day 2025 summit led directly to a policy brief on renewable energy that is now being used to engage with the National Council on Climate Change. This cycle of research, dialogue, and targeted advocacy allows YouPaD to translate grassroots concerns into credible policy alternatives, creating a tangible pathway for youth voices to shape national strategy. You can explore more case studies of our work on our Our Work page.
We are always seeking strategic alliances with organizations that share our vision for a more just, sustainable, and accountable Nigeria. YouPaD believes that collective action is the most powerful catalyst for systemic change, and we welcome partnerships with other civil society organizations, academic institutions, private sector entities, and development agencies on projects of mutual interest. A successful partnership typically begins with an alignment of strategic goals, whether it is for a joint research project, a co-hosted policy dialogue, or a collaborative advocacy campaign.
To initiate a partnership discussion, please send a formal expression of interest to our team via email at info.youpad@gmail.com. In your email, we kindly request that you include a brief profile of your organization, the specific area or project you are interested in collaborating on, and an outline of what a potential collaboration could look like. This will allow our team to conduct a thorough review and schedule a preliminary meeting to explore synergies and define a concrete path forward.
Active participation in our campaigns is a powerful way to make your voice heard and contribute directly to our advocacy efforts. For a major initiative like #EndBadGovernance, involvement goes beyond a single action and encompasses a range of activities. The first step is always to join our official mailing list via the signup form on our homepage. This ensures you receive real-time updates, strategic briefings, and calls to action directly, allowing you to act with precision and timeliness.
Campaign participation can include amplifying our message on social media using official hashtags and sharing our published materials, signing and promoting online petitions, or participating in our organized virtual and physical events like policy dialogues and community town halls. For certain campaigns, we also create specific working groups for dedicated volunteers who wish to be more deeply involved in strategy and outreach. The best way to find the right role for you is to stay connected through our channels and respond to the specific calls to action posted on our Campaigns & Projects page.
YouPaD is funded through a diversified model to ensure our operational independence and sustainability. Our primary sources of funding include programmatic grants from national and international partner foundations, project-based support from development organizations, and in-kind contributions from our strategic partners. We also accept donations from individuals who believe in our mission to empower Nigerian youth and strengthen our civic space. This model ensures that no single funding source has undue influence over our strategic direction.
Financial transparency and accountability are core tenets of our governance structure. We maintain meticulous financial records and adhere to the highest standards of accounting and reporting as required by Nigerian law and our international partners. While we do not currently publish a full public annual report, summary financial information and project-specific funding acknowledgements are available within our project publications. For those who wish to support our mission directly, you can contribute via our Donate page.
The "Youth Agora" is one of YouPaD's signature initiatives, designed as a dynamic and inclusive gathering space for young people to engage directly with critical issues of politics and governance. The name "Agora" is borrowed from the ancient Greek term for a public assembly, and our project embodies that spirit by creating a platform for open, uncensored dialogue between youth, policymakers, and community leaders. The primary goal is to transform young people from passive spectators into active, informed participants in the political process.
We are continuously working to expand the reach of the Youth Agora project to different regions across Nigeria, often in partnership with local organizations and state governments. To stay informed about upcoming events and to express interest in having an Agora hosted in your state or university, we encourage you to follow our social media channels and subscribe to our newsletter. You can also send a direct inquiry about regional expansion to our programs team at info.youpad@gmail.com.
For all general inquiries, questions about our programs, or assistance that is not covered in this FAQ section, our team is available to help. The most efficient way to contact us is by sending a detailed email to our general inbox at info.youpad@gmail.com. Our team monitors this address closely and will ensure your message is forwarded to the correct department for a response.
If your matter is urgent or you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can reach our office during standard business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday) at +234 904 214 0681. Please note that our phone lines can be busy, so for non-urgent matters, email is often the best first point of contact. You can find all of our contact details conveniently listed on our Contact Us page.
We forge strategic alliances with civil society organizations funders and government institutions. These partnerships are essential for scaling our impact and turning policy into meaningful action.
