US to host 100 Nigerian youth for leadership training

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria James Entwistle announced Thursday that the U.S. will welcome 100 young Nigerians for this year's Mandela Washington Fellows program.

Entwistle introduced this year's class during a ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.

The fellowship program brings African students to the U.S. to refine their academic interests and leadership skills through courses at colleges and universities, networking activities, and interactions with nonprofit organizations, government agencies and businesses. Participants also receive help translating their experiences to on-the-ground applications when they return home.

The program was created in 2014 by President Barack Obama as part of the Young African Leaders Initiative. This year approximately 1,000 Sub-Saharan Africans between 25 and 35 are expected to participate.