The Federal Government has officially commenced the recruitment of National Health Fellows, a presidential initiative designed to mobilise and equip young medical professionals to drive transformative leadership in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The programme is aimed at building a new generation of health sector leaders, capable of strengthening primary healthcare delivery and improving access to quality services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Under the initiative, each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas will host one health fellow, ensuring that local talent is embedded in local healthcare management. The programme also emphasizes youth empowerment, as successful candidates will gain practical leadership and management training, preparing them to take on pivotal roles within primary healthcare facilities nationwide.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with state ministries of health and development partners, is implementing the programme.
Officials describe it as a strategic effort to equip young professionals with the skills necessary to lead, manage, and innovate at the grassroots level.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the National Health Fellows Programme, candidates must meet the following criteria:
1. Age Limit
° Candidates should be between 25 and 35 years old.
2. Educational Qualifications
° Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in any of the following fields:
° Medicine & Surgery
° Nursing
° Public Health
° Pharmacy
° Laboratory Sciences
° Nutrition, Environmental Health, or Health Informatics
° Social sciences or IT (for health management/data roles)
3. National Service
° Completion of NYSC or valid exemption is required.
4. Citizenship
° Must be a Nigerian citizen, with a State of Origin certificate.
5. Professional Competencies
° Leadership potential, management skills, and commitment to community service and rural healthcare.
6. Documents Required
° CV or résumé
° Degree certificate(s)
° NYSC discharge/exemption certificate
° State of Origin certificate
° Other supporting documents as specified in the portal
How to Apply
• Applications are strictly online.
• Interested candidates can submit their applications via the official portal:
Apply Here https://healthfellows.ng/apply/
Officials caution that incomplete applications or offline submissions will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will undergo further screening, including interviews and verification of credentials.
Impact and Significance
The National Health Fellows Programme is more than a recruitment exercise. Analysts say it represents a strategic move to empower Nigerian youth, strengthen healthcare at the local government level, and ensure that rural communities have access to skilled leadership in primary healthcare.
By equipping young professionals with practical experience and leadership skills, the initiative is expected to enhance service delivery, improve health outcomes, and create a sustainable pipeline of future health sector leaders.