Final reminder as NHF programme closes November 30

By Damiete Braide

The Federal Government has issued a final reminder for eligible Nigerians to apply for the second cohort of the National Health Fellows (NHF) Programme, as the application window closes on November 30, 2025.

The initiative remains a key component of government efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and expand the capacity of the country’s health workforce.

Established to bridge longstanding gaps in community-level healthcare, the NHF Programme aims to recruit, train and deploy young professionals across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. The first cohort, admitted in January 2025, completed an intensive training programme before being deployed nationwide. Since then, they have been supporting grassroots health interventions ranging from disease surveillance to maternal and child health services and community mobilisation for preventive healthcare.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the contribution of the first group of fellows has already begun to positively influence coordination within local health systems, helping to strengthen primary healthcare structures and enhance community awareness of essential health services.

Applications for the second cohort are open to Nigerians between 25 and 35 years old with degrees in health sciences, information technology, social sciences or other related fields. Interested candidates must demonstrate readiness to serve in community-based environments and a commitment to supporting public health improvement.

The selection process involves document screening, competency assessment and interviews. Government officials emphasise that the process is strictly merit-based, with only qualified candidates admitted into the fellowship.

Successful applicants will undergo structured training that covers public health principles, disease prevention, community engagement, data reporting, leadership and health systems strengthening. After the training phase, fellows will be deployed for supervised field placements in primary healthcare settings, where they will gain hands-on experience working with local health authorities. The programme is designed to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals capable of addressing Nigeria’s persistent health challenges.

The initiative is backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and implemented through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare under the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office. It also draws support from national and international development partners working to improve Nigeria’s health outcomes.

In a statement, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the NHF Programme as a transformative platform for young Nigerians. He said the initiative “is designed to develop a new generation of healthcare leaders through capacity building, practical field engagement and sustained professional development.” Prof. Pate noted that the achievements of the first cohort demonstrate the value of giving young professionals structured opportunities to contribute to national development.

With the deadline fast approaching, the Federal Government is urging eligible applicants to finalise their submissions. Officials stress that the fellowship offers a significant avenue for young Nigerians to play a direct role in improving community health, reducing preventable diseases and strengthening primary healthcare systems nationwide.

Interested candidates have been advised to access full application details through the official channels of the National Health Fellows Programme.