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The Psychological Foundry for Human Development Initiative (PFI) seeks the most passionate, ambitious, and dedicated psychology students and professionals to join the two-year Catalyst Programme experience. The Catalyst Programme is a transformative, high-commitment journey designed to forge the next generation of leaders, researchers, and practitioners in the Nigerian psychological landscape. It is an opportunity to move beyond theory and acquire practical, relevant psychological skills.
Our ideal Fellow believes psychology has the power to change lives and communities, is hungry for more than a textbook education and crave real-world, hands-on experience, is a builder and a collaborator, ready to contribute your time and talent to a mission that matters, and is prepared to be challenged, to learn, and to grow within a community of excellent psychologists.
We invite applicants to apply for one of our four distinct, fellowship pathways, and to carefully review the pathways and apply for the one that best fits their current stage and skills.
The Vanguard Fellowship
This pathway is designed for current undergraduate psychology students and B.Sc. psychology graduates. Its goal is to develop the fundamental academic, research, and professional skills necessary for excellence in the field. Vanguard Fellows will be part of our core learning group, engaging in a structured curriculum and working on impactful community-facing projects.
The Scholars Enclave
This pathway is for currently enrolled postgraduate psychology students (Master's and PhD) and early-career psychologists. They serve as the bridge between knowledge and impact. Scholars utilise their advanced academic and professional training to mentor Vanguards, contribute to high-level research, acquire vital teaching experience, and lead initiatives that will shape their professional careers.
The Cornerstone Corps
This pathway is for non-psychology professionals with verifiable, intermediate-to-advanced professional skills (e.g., law, forensics, graphic design, IT, web development, fundraising, project management, M&E) who work in psychologically related fields. They utilise their specialised expertise to build and maintain the organisation's core operational infrastructure, while developing their skills through behavioural science theories and contributing to high-impact projects that are vital to our success.
The Luminary Guild
This is our most senior pathway, designated for senior practising psychologists. The Luminary Guild serves as our intellect and advisory body, using their expertise to nurture the next generation of psychologists. They teach the other pathways, supervise projects, and plan strategically. They are the esteemed faculty and the ethical custodians of The PFI Academy, leveraging their extensive wisdom to provide high-level guidance, ethical oversight, and expert mentorship to all members of the Organisation.
The Non-Negotiable Commitment: What We Expect
We are being unequivocally clear because we respect applicant's time, and we protect our community's standards. The Catalyst Programme is a serious commitment. It is a two-year (24-month) journey requiring an average of twenty (20) hours per week.
The Admission Philosophy: Mastery Over Credentials
A single, powerful principle governs entry into the Catalyst Programme: Credentials open the door, but mastery determines where you begin. The basic academic or professional credential is a requirement for application, but is not a guarantee of admission. An applicant must also demonstrate apparent readiness and mastery of the skills and concepts expected at their level. For example, entry into the Scholars Enclave is only open to those who not only hold the appropriate academic standing but also show readiness during the application and interview process. If this is not evident, an applicant may be redirected to begin at the Vanguard Fellowship instead to build the necessary foundational skills. The same applies to the Luminary Guild, which is reserved for senior practising professionals. Even with professional experience, if a candidate has not yet demonstrated the foundational skills expected at the Scholars Enclave level, they will be asked to start there before advancing.
This time is composed of:
Synchronous (Live) Meetings: Including weekly team syncs and mandatory skills workshops.
Asynchronous (Flexible) Work: Including completing individual tasks, collaborating on projects, and engaging with the primary team.
Community Initiatives: Utilising the psychological theories and skills to make real-life impacts.
We understand that applicants may have school, work, and other responsibilities. However, successful applicants will be those who can demonstrate a clear and realistic plan for integrating this commitment into their lives. If you are unable to commit at this time, we ask that you wait and apply for a future cohort.
We are dedicated to inclusion, accessibility, and fairness. PFI Catalyst welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, disability, identity, or other characteristics. We accept alternative application formats, such as audio or video submissions, for applicants unable to provide written documents. Additionally, we are committed to offering technical support to applicants who may find the application process challenging.
Application closes September 30, 2026.
Application Timeline
Application Window Opens: August 1, 2026 (12:00 AM WAT)
Application Window Closes: September 30, 2026 (11:59 PM WAT)
Interview and Selection Period: October 1 - November 10, 2026
Final Decisions Sent: By November 31, 2026
Cohort Announcement: December 15, 2026
Programme Start Date: January 5, 2027
Onboarding: January 5, 2027
Application Requirement
Important Notice
The application form may take thirty (30) minutes to complete (depending on uploads).
The required application documents include an academic CV, proof of university enrolment or degree (where applicable), a Statement of Purpose (or alternative), and any additional uploads you wish to submit. Please prepare your documents in PDF format (maximum file size: 10 MB each).
If you are submitting an alternative format such as a video or audio file, please upload it to your cloud storage and share the link in your application. Ensure the file access is set to “Anyone with the link can view”, as we may not be able to contact you to request access.
For all uploads, please save your documents with your name and the type of document (e.g., Gesiye Elendu SOP) before uploading them.
For this programme, you should have regular access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer, along with internet access. PFI cannot provide funding for devices or data at this time, as we do not have any sponsors. However, we are committed to ensuring that every psychology student or professional has an equal opportunity to apply for the PFI Catalyst Programme. Therefore, we will work with applicants who lack access to a functioning device or internet. An email address will be provided during the application process for such applicants to send their concerns and request specific accommodations.
If you experience accessibility challenges (such as neurodivergence, disability, or limited internet access), please contact us for alternative options.
You must be honest in your application. Misrepresentation will lead to disqualification.
We recognise that writing SOPs is a new experience for many applicants, particularly those at the Vanguard level. Therefore, we have recommended guided prompts to guide applicants on the Statement of Purpose. If you cannot submit written work, you may submit an audio or video alternative (instructions below).
We also recognise that many Vanguard applicants may not have an outstanding academic CV. We ask that you conduct some research to develop an academic CV (even if it is just a half-page document) for your application. We are not concerned about the quality of the CV. We only require you to make an effort to create a CV for your application.
Required Documents for Application
Proof of current enrolment OR degree certificate. You may upload your Student ID, course form, transcript, scanned statement of results, or degree certificate. Only ONE proof is required.
NOTE: Admission letters are not accepted.
An academic Curriculum Vitae.
A Statement of Purpose. Your SOP should be in Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 spacing; max 750 words.
Portfolio OR verifiable body of work (for Cornerstone Applicants).
If you are unable to submit a written SOP, consider using an alternative such as a video or audio essay of five (5) to seven (7) minutes. Please note that these alternatives should also follow the guided prompts for written SOPs. You MUST record in a quiet space, in portrait mode, with good lighting, and clear audio. Failure to follow the exact requirements will result in your application not being considered for review.
You may address these prompts in your SOP to structure your writing.
For Vanguard Applicants
What motivates you to apply to the PFI Catalyst Programme? What drives your interest in psychology and community impact?
What do you hope to learn and contribute during the Vanguard Fellowship? Be specific about skills, areas of knowledge, or project ideas.
What are your short- and long-term goals for the PFI Catalyst Programme?
For Scholar Applicants
What motivates you to apply to the PFI Catalyst Programme? What drives your interest in psychology and community impact?
Describe your research or professional interests and potential projects or supervision needs.
If applying as an early-career clinician or practising professional, please describe your clinical or professional interests and the populations with which you work.
What do you hope to learn and contribute during the Scholar Fellowship? Be specific about skills, areas of knowledge, or project ideas.
What are your short- and long-term goals for the PFI Catalyst Programme?
For Cornerstone Applicants
What motivates you to apply to the PFI Catalyst Programme? What drives your interest in psychology and community impact?
What is your contribution to psychology (how your skillset benefits psychological work)
What is an example of an idea/project you could collaborate on?
What do you hope to learn and contribute during the Catalyst Programme?
What are your short- and long-term goals for the PFI Catalyst Programme?
For Luminary Applicants
What motivates you to apply to the PFI Catalyst Programme? What drives your interest in psychology and community impact?
Why do you want to join the Luminary Guild? What will you contribute?
What is your approach to supervision, feedback, and professional development?
What are your short- and long-term goals for the PFI Catalyst Programme?
Note: For Luminary applicants, your CV should highlight experience in supervision/teaching/mentorship experience and professional leadership.
Click here to apply to the Catalyst Programme
Application closes September 30, 2026
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