Internship Agreement Template for Nigeria

An Internship Agreement sets out the terms and responsibilities between an organization and a student or trainee in Nigeria. This legal document clearly defines the learning objectives, duration, work hours, and any compensation or allowances during the internship period.

Beyond meeting Nigerian Labour Act requirements, a well-crafted internship agreement protects both parties by spelling out workplace safety standards, confidentiality obligations, and intellectual property rights. It also helps organizations comply with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) guidelines while giving interns documented proof of their professional experience for future opportunities.

Use an Internship Agreement before welcoming any student or trainee into your Nigerian organization for practical work experience. This becomes essential when coordinating with universities for SIWES (Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme) placements or offering opportunities to recent graduates seeking professional exposure.

The agreement proves particularly valuable when your organization needs to define work schedules, assign supervisors, or specify project deliverables. It's crucial for companies participating in ITF programs, managing multiple interns, or dealing with sensitive information that requires confidentiality commitments from temporary team members.

• Internship Contract: Standard agreement covering basic terms, duties, and compensation for paid internships
• Unpaid Internship Agreement: Specialized version for learning-focused positions without monetary compensation
• Intern Confidentiality Agreement: Focuses on protecting company information and trade secrets
• Non Disclosure Agreement For Interns: Detailed confidentiality terms for sensitive industries
• Internship Employment Agreement: Comprehensive version treating interns as temporary employees with benefits

• Host Organizations: Companies, NGOs, and government agencies that provide internship opportunities and draft the core agreement terms
• Student Interns: University students, recent graduates, or NYSC members seeking practical work experience and professional development
• Educational Institutions: Universities and polytechnics that coordinate SIWES placements and verify internship requirements
• Legal Departments: In-house counsel or external lawyers who review and customize agreement terms
• HR Managers: Personnel who oversee intern onboarding, supervision, and compliance with Nigerian labor regulations
• ITF Officials: Representatives who ensure agreements meet Industrial Training Fund guidelines

• Basic Details: Gather intern's full name, educational institution, program of study, and contact information
• Duration Planning: Set start and end dates, daily work hours, and any holiday or break periods
• Role Definition: Outline specific duties, learning objectives, and expected deliverables
• Compensation Structure: Determine stipend amount, payment schedule, and any additional benefits
• Supervision Details: Identify the intern's direct supervisor and mentoring arrangements
• Compliance Check: Review ITF requirements and Nigerian labor laws for internship programs
• Documentation: Collect necessary identification, academic records, and insurance information

• Party Information: Full legal names and addresses of both organization and intern
• Term Definition: Clear start and end dates of the internship period
• Work Scope: Detailed description of duties, responsibilities, and learning objectives
• Compensation Terms: Stipend amount, payment schedule, and any additional benefits
• Confidentiality: Protection of company information and trade secrets
• Intellectual Property: Ownership rights of work created during internship
• Termination Clause: Conditions for early termination by either party
• Governing Law: Reference to Nigerian Labor Law and ITF regulations
• Signatures: Space for both parties and witness signatures with dates

An Internship Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement, though both involve bringing someone into an organization. Here are the key distinctions:

• Purpose and Intent: Internship Agreements focus on learning and skill development, while Agency Agreements establish commercial representation relationships
• Duration: Internships typically last 3-6 months with fixed end dates, whereas agency relationships often continue indefinitely until terminated
• Legal Status: Interns work under direct supervision with limited authority, while agents have legal power to act on behalf of the principal
• Compensation Structure: Internships often involve stipends or learning benefits, but agency relationships include commissions or fee structures
• Regulatory Framework: Internships fall under ITF and educational guidelines, while agency relationships are governed by Nigerian commercial law and contract principles