Call for Applications: Archivi.ng Fellowship or storytellers, researchers, and technologists

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Archivi.ng Fellowship, an exceptional six-month program designed for storytellers, researchers, and technologists who are passionate about uncovering and reinterpreting Nigerian history through archival materials. This prestigious fellowship offers funding, mentorship, and publishing support to help fellows create meaningful projects that challenge perceptions, deepen understanding, and inspire public dialogue about Nigeria’s past and its continued influence on the present.

For the 2026 cohort, the fellowship will center on the theme “The More Things Change”, a two-year exploration of Nigeria’s recurring social, political, and cultural patterns. Participants are invited to engage with this theme through innovative and thought-provoking work — whether that means analyzing the cyclical nature of policy reforms, developing digital tools that make historical data more accessible, or amplifying the untold stories of everyday Nigerians. The overarching goal is to show how echoes of the past still reverberate through the nation’s present and future.

Fellowship Requirements

Archivi.ng seeks ambitious and accessible projects that:

• Are firmly rooted in archival sources, such as newspapers, magazines, photographs, audiovisual collections, or other historical records.

• Strive to reveal recurring patterns and cycles that define Nigerian life and governance.

• Can be completed within six months, led by individuals capable of managing their own workflow and delivering impactful results.

• May already be in progress prior to application, as long as they align with the fellowship’s objectives.

Fellowship Tracks

The Archivi.ng Fellowship supports a range of disciplines under three primary tracks:

1. Storytelling Track: Designed for individuals who create narratives that bridge the past and present — whether through writing, film, audio, visual art, or multimedia. The format is flexible as long as the story fosters understanding and engagement.

2. Research Track: Targeted at researchers producing in-depth analysis and insights that reshape how people see and understand Nigeria. Ideal for academics, journalists, and independent scholars seeking to make their work publicly accessible.

3. Technology Track: Aimed at technologists, developers, and data scientists creating tools that transform archives into interactive and usable public resources. This could include building timelines, visualizations, or digital exhibits that make history come alive.

Who Can Apply

This fellowship welcomes Nigerians everywhere — whether based at home or in the diaspora — who demonstrate curiosity, creativity, and commitment to public understanding. Ideal candidates are:

• Deeply passionate about Nigerian history and capable of producing high-quality, original, and publicly valuable work.

• Skilled at working independently, while remaining open to collaboration and peer learning.

• Comfortable using digital and collaborative tools such as Notion, Slack, and other online platforms.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive generous financial, technical, and institutional support to ensure their projects thrive. Benefits include:

• A ₦1 million monthly stipend for the duration of the program (January – June 2026).

• An additional ₦1 million in project funding, disbursed over the course of the fellowship.

• Full access to Archivi.ng’s archives, databases, and digital tools.

• Opportunities for publication, exhibition, or technical integration of final projects.

• Participation in learning circles and peer review sessions that foster collaboration, feedback, and skill growth among fellows.

Selection Process

The fellowship’s selection process consists of two key stages:

1. Initial Screening: A selection committee will evaluate all applications for eligibility, project ambition, and alignment with Archivi.ng’s mission. Projects will also be assessed for their feasibility within the six-month timeframe.

2. Final Interview: Shortlisted applicants will move on to a second round of evaluation, where the selection team will conduct interviews to assess each candidate’s experience, commitment, and project clarity.

Only successful candidates will be invited to join the 2026 fellowship cohort.

For detailed application guidelines and to apply, please visit the Official Webpage of the Archivi.ng Fellowship.

If you are a storyteller, researcher, or technologist eager to transform Nigeria’s historical archives into tools for understanding and change, this fellowship offers the perfect platform to bring your vision to life. Application Deadline: October 31, 2025