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Pollicy Fellowship Application 2025

Shape the Digital Future with us

Nurturing the Next Generation of African Civic Tech Leaders

Applications Open for 3 Bold Fellowship Tracks

Since 2017, the Pollicy Fellowship has been a launchpad for emerging African thinkers, doers, designers, and dreamers. We bring together students, creatives, technologists, researchers, and community organizers to explore how civic technology, digital rights, and feminist data practices can reshape our collective future boldly, creatively, and on African terms.

This is not just a learning opportunity. It’s a chance to be part of something larger than yourself. Fellows co-create real, impactful work that strengthens communities, influences digital policy, and sparks lasting change. If you are driven by purpose and powered by curiosity, we want to hear from you.

What’s New in 2025?

This year, we’re excited to launch three dynamic fellowship tracks, each aligned with Pollicy’s strategic pillars and our shared vision for a safe, joyful, and just digital world.

Francophone Community Engagement Fellow

Focus: West and Central Africa (Preferably Côte d’Ivoire)

Help us build deep, trust-based relationships in Francophone Africa. You will foster feminist digital rights programming, lead community events, and co-create content that sparks dialogue across borders.

  • Coordinate feminist dialogues, Data Clubs, or community events
  • Create toolkits, zines, and blogs in French
  • Translate and localize campaigns
  • Listen, learn, and help shape our Francophone engagement strategy

We are looking for:

  • Fluency in French & English
  • Experience in grassroots or feminist organizing
  • Deep knowledge of local digital realities
  • Passion for storytelling and community-building

Grants & Growth Fellow

Join our Programs team to reimagine what it means to grow with care, creativity, and feminist values at the core.

  • Research aligned funding opportunities
  • Draft compelling proposals and pitch decks
  • Map potential collaborators across sectors
  • Support donor communication and reporting

We are looking for:

  • Strong writing, synthesis, and storytelling skills
  • Interest in strategy, comms, or fundraising
  • Commitment to equity and systemic transformation

Games Design Fellow

Design bold, beautiful, and joyful civic games that teach and transform. You will explore how play can challenge systems and imagine new possibilities.

  • Prototype card, web, or VR/AR games
  • Design playful user journeys and UX flows
  • Collaborate with artists and activists
  • Test games with youth and grassroots groups
  • Help expand our Afrofeminist Data Museum

We are looking for:

  • Game design experience or keen interest
  • Familiarity with tools like Figma, Twine, or Unity
  • Creative energy rooted in African realities
  • A decolonial, playful approach to knowledge

What You Will Gain

  • Direct contribution to real Pollicy projects
  • Weekly mentorship and learning sessions
  • A platform to publish your work (toolkits, blogs, campaigns, games)
  • A final public-facing project
  • Access to a growing community of alumni and collaborators

Who Should Apply?

We encourage applications from:

  • Students, early-career professionals, activists, creatives, technologists, and researchers
  • Those with experience in community organizing, civic tech, research, storytelling, policy, or design
  • Individuals from underrepresented groups and communities
  • People based in Africa especially East, West, and Central Africa.

If you are reflective, purpose-driven, and ready to learn by doing in a supportive feminist space, this fellowship is for you.

Fellowship Details

  • Duration: 6 months
  • Time Commitment: 4 days/week (flexible remote-first work)
  • Location: Primarily remote; possible in-person gatherings or events
  • Stipend: USD 500/month + internet allowance

Application Deadline: 4th August 2025

Method of Application

Interested and Qualified candidates should Go click bottom below to Apply.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE 

The post Pollicy Fellowship Shape the Digital Future 2025 appeared first on Advert By Dotifi .Com Domains for almajiri.com.ng | Best African Hausa Music Blog, Entertainment ,News and Gossips .

By 9jabook

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From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.