Membership

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Overview

Membership of the Africa Institute for Grassroots Democracy and Development Studies (AIGDDS) offers individuals and institutions an opportunity to be part of a dynamic Pan-African community of scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and development actors dedicated to deepening democracy and advancing inclusive development at the grassroots level.

Members contribute to, and benefit from, the Institute’s research, training, and advocacy programmes while participating in continental dialogues on governance, development, and integration.

AIGDDS Membership Framework

Purpose: To create a dynamic and inclusive Pan-African network of scholars, professionals, community leaders, artisans, and citizens united by the vision of deepening democracy, good governance, and sustainable development.

A. Scholarly and Leadership Fellows

S/N	CATEGORY	ELIGIBILITY/FOCUS	PRIVILEGES	RESPONSIBILITIES
1	Distinguished Fellow (DF AIGDDS)	For eminent scholars, statesmen/women, policy leaders, or practitioners with Exceptional lifetime contributions to democracy, governance, or grassroots development across Africa.	Highest honorary fellowship rank; Priority for keynote roles and advisory council appointments; Citation in AIGDDS Hall of Eminence; Post-nominal title: DFAIGDDS.	Provide strategic guidance to the Institute; Serve as continental ambassadors of AIGDDS mission and values.
2	Senior Fellow (SF AIGDDS)	Academics or practitioners with at least 10-15 years of impactful work in governance, political science, development practice, or civic leadership.	Eligible for senior research leadership; Participation in high-level roundtables; Recognition in Senior Fellows Network.	Mentor emerging fellows; Shape institutional research and policy directions.
3	Doctoral Fellow (DrF AIGDDS)	PhD candidates or holders conducting research relevant to democracy, governance, grassroots development, political institutions, or African systems.	Access to AIGDDS research clusters; Priority publication opportunities; Academic collaboration with other fellows.	Produce scholarly work for the AIGDDS Knowledge Hub; Peer-review research outputs when required.
4	Research Fellow (RF AIGDDS)	Scholars and analysts with strong research backgrounds, especially in political science, development studies, economics, public policy, and related fields.	Access to data repositories; Eligibility for research grants; Participation in methodological workshops.	Lead or contribute to research projects; Publish at least one output through AIGDDS annually.
5	Professional Fellow (PF AIGDDS)	Mid- to senior-level professionals in governance, NGOs, civil service, development practice, public administration, or related sectors.	Professional recognition; Eligibility for consultancy-based collaborations; Access to policy forums and technical workshops.	Share practical experiences with community and student groups; Support implementation of institute programs.
6	Fellow (F AIGDDS)	Bachelor’s degree holders, final-year undergraduates, Master’s students, or early-career professionals demonstrating commitment to grassroots democracy, governance, public policy, or development.	Use of the title F AIGDDS; Access to training and research activities; Opportunity to contribute to publications and projects; Eligibility for progression to higher Fellow categories.	Participate in Institute programs; Contribute at least one annual intellectual or program output; Uphold AIGDDS ethical and professional standards.

B. Community and Civic Fellows

S/N	CATEGORY	ELIGIBILITY/FOCUS	PRIVILEGES	RESPONSIBILITIES
1	Civic Engagement Fellow (CEF AIGDDS)	Individuals actively promoting civic awareness, democratic participation, election integrity, or political education.	Inclusion in Civic Engagement Network; Access to civic training tools; Eligibility to lead outreach missions.	Conduct community sensitization activities; Uphold neutrality and integrity in civic processes.
2	Community Fellow (CF AIGDDS)	Grassroots mobilizers, community organizers, local leaders, and social workers with demonstrated contributions to community development.	Participation in community development platforms; Project support where applicable; Training opportunities	Lead local-level initiatives; Provide feedback on community priorities and challenges.
3	Grassroots Fellow (GF AIGDDS)	Grassroots activists, development volunteers, traditional youth leaders, and those working closest to local populations.	Grassroots capacity-building programs; Recognition for community service; Access to micro-engagement opportunities.	Advocate for inclusive governance; Implement community development actions.
4	Youth Fellow (YF AIGDDS)	Young leaders (18-35 years) passionate about democracy, leadership, development, innovation, or community work.	Leadership development programs; Participation in youth policy dialogues; Mentorship by senior fellows.	Drive youth-focused initiatives; Maintain high standards of moral and civic conduct.
5	Artisan Fellow (AF AIGDDS)	Local artisans and vocational practitioners contributing to grassroots socio-economic development through skills, creativity, or innovation.	Access to skills-enhancement workshops; Recognition as community transformation partners; Showcase opportunities at AIGDDS events.	Train younger artisans when possible; Promote dignity of labour and local skill development.

C. Institutional and Honorary Fellows

S/N	CATEGORY	ELIGIBILITY/FOCUS	PRIVILEGES	RESPONSIBILITIES
1	Institutional Fellow (IF AIGDDS)	Universities, research centres, NGOs, government institutions, CSOs, or private-sector organisations aligned with AIGDDS mission.	Joint projects and research collaborations; Invitations to policy roundtables; Institutional visibility on AIGDDS platforms.	Honour partnership agreements; Contribute to knowledge-sharing and joint initiatives.
2	Honorary Doctoral Fellow (Hon.DrF AIGDDS)	Conferred on exceptional individuals without requiring a PhD, who have made outstanding contributions to democracy, community transformation, governance, innovation, civil society leadership, or public service.	Prestigious honorary title; Invitations to special events; Ceremonial and advisory roles; Listing in AIGDDS Honour Roll.	Promote AIGDDS values; Provide insights on national/community issues; Serve as ambassadors of the Institute.

Membership Privileges (General)

All members enjoy:

Use of AIGDDS membership or fellowship title.
Access to newsletters, conferences, and research findings.
Eligibility for awards, training, and leadership development.
Eligibility for collaborative projects, policy consultations, and academic fellowships.
Participation in training programmes, workshops, and leadership forums.
Eligibility to attend AIGDDS programmes, seminars, and civic engagement activities.
Networking across Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.

Membership Responsibilities (General)

Every member is expected to:

Uphold the values of democracy, unity, and integrity.
Participate in AIGDDS programmes and contribute ideas for development.
Uphold academic and ethical standards consistent with the Institute’s objectives
Contribute to research, publications, or training activities.
Support the Institute’s programmes and promote its vision.
Observe ethical conduct and uphold the ideals of democracy and national integration.
Promote the motto — “Consolidating and Deepening National Integration.”

Membership Application

Prospective members may apply online through the AIGDDS website. Applications are reviewed periodically by the Membership Committee, and successful applicants are duly notified.

Join AIGDDS today — and be part of a continental movement for grassroots democracy and development transformation.