A career development initiative has opened applications for the fifth cohort of its MET Stars Academy programme as it celebrates five years.

Applications for cohort five opened on October 15 and will close on November 15, 2026. The programme is expected to draw participants from across the six geopolitical zones.

The initiative, which focuses on talent development for technology, marketing, and entertainment sectors, marked the anniversary with a media and partner luncheon in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the founder, Bolaji Junaid, said the project started with a vision to bridge the gap between young people’s potential and available opportunities, and has now built a foundation to expand its work.

Junaid added that the next phase is about building an institution that can continue to open doors for young Nigerians and develop professional talents beyond its founders.

The programme has, in the last five years, reviewed over 430 applications across four cohorts, placed over 35 young professionals in jobs, built a community of over 180 members and engaged more than 60 mentors locally and in the diaspora.

Its MET Stars Academy content is said to have reached over five million people organically.

MET Stars Academy is the organisation’s flagship programme, providing practical industry experience, mentorship and access to professional networks.

Speaking at the event, a member of the Board of Trustees, Taopheek Babayeju, said the project addressed the need to balance entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship in nation-building, stressing the need for skilled professionals who can strengthen organisations and lead teams.

Another mentor, Folake Johnson, said she was drawn to the programme by its recruitment and mentor selection processes.

On his part, the Founder of Expose Marketing Solutions, Abayomi Ayoola, said the organisation had adopted the initiative as a partner in talent sourcing and development over the last two years and had updated aspects of its standard operating procedures based on lessons from the programme.