The Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for the next cohort of the National Health Fellows Programme, inviting qualified young Nigerians to support ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening primary healthcare nationwide.
The NHF Programme was established to address longstanding gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery by training and deploying young professionals to local health systems, where they will drive community-focused interventions, according to a statement made available to The PUNCH on Tuesday.
The initiative, endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, targets Nigerians aged 25 to 35 with academic backgrounds in health sciences, social sciences, and related disciplines.
Fellows will receive structured training, mentorship, and practical field placements across all 774 local government areas, where they will work to improve public health outcomes and promote healthier communities.
The programme is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the primary healthcare workforce and equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to address public health challenges at the grassroots.
Speaking on the initiative, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said, “This groundbreaking initiative is set to develop a pipeline of healthcare leaders through strategic capacity building, professional development, and capstone field engagement.”
With the application deadline fast approaching, the NHF Programme is encouraging eligible candidates across the country to apply and join a growing network of young leaders dedicated to reducing preventable diseases and improving Nigeria’s health system. Interested applicants are expected to visit the National Health Fellows website and submit their applications before 30 November 2025.
The programme brings together professionals from diverse fields, including health, IT, and social sciences. Participants undergo extensive training, mentorship, and leadership development, gaining exposure to best practices within the nation’s health sector.
The fellowship aims to build a cadre of skilled and motivated health leaders capable of driving meaningful change and innovation across Nigeria.
The NHF Programme operates under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (SWAp Coordination Office) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. For more details and to apply, candidates are encouraged to visit the National Health Fellows website.
