Heirs Holdings opens 2026 graduate trainee programme, requirements and deadline
By Aboki Forex —
Heirs Holdings has opened applications for the second cohort of its Heirs Academy Graduate Trainee Programme. The deadline for submissions is September 4, 2026.
The pan-African investment company, founded by Tony O. Elumelu, is targeting young graduates across energy, insurance, financial services, power and real estate. Heirs Holdings operates in 24 countries and is guided by Africapitalism, the philosophy that positions the private sector as the primary driver of Africa's development.
Eligibility and requirements
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in Finance, Law or a relevant discipline from a recognised Nigerian or foreign university. A minimum classification of Second Class Lower (2:2) is required.
Applicants must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, have no more than two years of post-NYSC work experience, and be 27 years old or younger at the point of application.
What the programme offers
Eluemuno Olumagin, Group Director of Human Resources at Heirs Holdings, described the programme as a deliberate long-term investment in Africa's future workforce.
"Africa's economic transformation begins with its human capital. At Heirs Holdings, talent development is an essential, long-term strategic investment. Through the Heirs Academy Graduate Trainee Programme, we are identifying high-potential young professionals and equipping them with the critical skills, enterprise mindset, and sector depth required building impactful careers and creating lasting institutional value across the continent," Olumagin said.
The company says the first edition recorded early success. 54 trainees completed six months of structured learning and professional development under the inaugural cohort. Many have since taken up roles within Heirs Holdings and its portfolio companies.
What it means for Nigerian graduates
For young Nigerian graduates, this is one of the few structured opportunities offering direct entry into major sectors like power, insurance and financial services. The 2:2 requirement and 27-year age limit make it accessible to a wide pool of recent graduates, but the September 2026 deadline means applicants need to move quickly.