FG Issues Final Call for National Health Fellows Programme Applications

The federal government has issued a final call for applications for the second cohort of the National Health Fellows (NHF) Programme, ahead of the closing date of November 30, 2025.

The NHF Progrmme remains a central initiative in the government’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and expand the capacity of the national health workforce.

The NHF Programme was created to address longstanding gaps in community-level healthcare by recruiting, training and deploying young professionals to serve in all 774 local government areas of the country. The first cohort, admitted in January 2025, successfully underwent training and has since been deployed nationwide, supporting community health interventions, surveillance activities and primary healthcare strengthening at the grassroots. Their presence across the country has contributed to improved mobilisation for preventive health services, maternal and child health support and local health system coordination.

Applications for the second cohort are open to Nigerians between the ages of 25 and 35 who hold degrees in health sciences, information technology, social sciences or other related fields. Candidates must demonstrate the capacity and willingness to serve in community environments and contribute to public health improvement. 

The selection process is merit-based and transparent, involving application screening, competency review and interview assessments. Only candidates who meet the required standard are admitted into the fellowship.

Fellows admitted into the programme receive structured training covering public health principles, community engagement, disease prevention, leadership and data reporting. This is followed by a supervised field placement designed to expose fellows to practical work in primary healthcare settings. The training and deployment model is intended to build a steady pipeline of young professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address Nigeria’s persistent health challenges.

The programme is supported by President Bola Tinubu and implemented under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office. The NHF initiative also receives technical guidance from national and international partners working to strengthen Nigeria’s health sector.

According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the fellowship “is designed to develop a new generation of healthcare leaders through capacity building, practical field engagement and sustained professional development.” He noted that the success of the first cohort reflects the potential of young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development when given structured opportunities to serve.

As the application window draws to a close, the federal government is encouraging all eligible Nigerians who meet the requirements to submit their applications. The NHF Programme offers an opportunity for young professionals to participate directly in improving community health, reducing preventable diseases and supporting national efforts to strengthen primary healthcare systems.

For further details, applicants are advised to visit the official information channels of the National Health Fellows Programme.