By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye
It was a moment of jubilant chaos at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on March 6, 2025, as President Bola Tinubu announced automatic employment for 774 National Health Fellows with the words, “You are hired.” The excitement was so overwhelming that it disrupted Tinubu’s speech, with attendees struggling to maintain respect for the national anthem.
Many fellows instantly went live on social media, screaming in joy, recording the electrifying atmosphere, and panning their cameras around the hall filled with ecstatic energy. This announcement not only signaled hope for Nigeria’s healthcare system but also restored faith that merit-based opportunities are possible without connections.
The National Health Fellows programme is a flagship initiative under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s primary healthcare system. Selected from over 359,000 applicants, the fellows represent every local government area in the country and are tasked with monitoring and improving Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). Their one-year fellowship, which includes rigorous training, mentorship, and fieldwork, is now capped with the guarantee of automatic employment—a move that has been described as unprecedented in Nigeria’s public service history.
For many of these fellows, Tinubu’s pronouncement was more than just an announcement—it was the culmination of years of struggle, resilience, and hope.
For Mu’azu Umar, a political science graduate from Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State, the National Health Fellows programme represents more than just an opportunity—it is a beacon of hope, a validation of his determination, and a chance to rewrite the narrative for persons living with disabilities in Nigeria. His journey to becoming one of the 774 fellows selected for this prestigious programme is a testament to resilience and the power of inclusion.
“Actually, I am highly excited about the programme,” Mu’azu began, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “I was motivated to apply because I wanted to contribute my own quota to developing the healthcare system. As you can see, I am a person with a disability—polio got me to where I am today. But instead of letting that define me negatively, I felt inspired to make a difference.”
Mu’azu’s motivation stems from his live experience and his desire to create a more inclusive healthcare system that caters to everyone, regardless of their physical limitations. “The pronouncement by the President, I believe, is a dream come true,” he says with palpable gratitude.
“We have prayed for this moment, and the President has finally heeded our prayers. It is an opportunity for us to serve as vanguards for change at our respective local levels.”
According to him, Tinubu’s declaration is not just an honour—it is also a challenge. He explained: “I believe this opportunity comes with great responsibility. We must fulfill our duties and live up to the expectations placed on us. This programme is not just about employment; it’s about making an impact and driving meaningful change in our communities.”
Mu’azu’s journey into the National Health Fellows programme highlights the inclusive nature of the initiative. Despite holding a degree in political science – a field seemingly unrelated to healthcare – he was selected based on his passion and potential to contribute to sectoral reform.
He said: “This programme cuts across various fields. It’s not limited to health professionals alone; it includes IT experts, social scientists, finance professionals, and others who can bring diverse perspectives to healthcare delivery.”
Reminiscing about his experience during the training, which kicked started since February 27, Mu’azu has been undergoing rigorous training alongside his fellow participants. “The training has been intensive and enlightening. We’ve been here since February 28th, learning different courses that prepare us for the task ahead every session has been impactful,” he disclosed.
The training modules cover leadership development, data management, problem-solving strategies, and public health administration—all designed to equip fellows with the skills needed to monitor and improve Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
Mu’azu’s story is one of resilience and determination—a narrative he hopes will inspire others, particularly persons living with disabilities. He further said: “My message to others is simple: do not get discouraged. Parents of persons with disabilities should give their children equal opportunities because we have talents that can contribute significantly to society.
“This programme is proof that there is room for everyone to excel if given the chance. It provides a platform for individuals like me to exhibit their talents and contribute toward the overall development of society.”
Reflecting on the selection process, Mu’azu emphasised on the transparency and inclusivity of the National Health Fellows programme, saying: “When I applied for this position, I didn’t know I would qualify. But this initiative is based on merit—it’s not about connections or favoritism. That alone gives me hope for Nigeria.”
Mu’azu believes that initiatives like this can help break barriers for marginalized groups in Nigeria. He added: “This programme shows that people with disabilities can achieve great things if given equal opportunities.”
He expressed determination to make a lasting impact in his community. With confidence, he expressed : “This is just the beginning. I am ready to fulfill my responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.”
For Mu’azu Umar, the National Health Fellows programme is more than just an initiative—it is a lifeline for change and an opportunity to prove that resilience knows no bounds. His story serves as an inspiration not only for persons with disabilities but also for all Nigerians striving for inclusion and equity in national development.
The story of Yusuf Hope Abraham, a psychology graduate from the University of Jos, another beneficiary, is one of perseverance, passion, and newfound hope.
“I grew up in Bwari Area Council in a family where we didn’t have much,” he shared. “I struggled to go to school, but to God be the glory, I graduated with a degree in psychology. I chose psychology because of my love for seeing people happy. After reading a book by Ben Carson, I realized this was my calling—to help others find joy.”
When Yusuf first came across the programme, he applied without much expectation. “I thought it was just another opportunity that might not work out,” he admitted. “But then I got an email for an interview. At first, I hesitated because I hadn’t collected my certificate yet, but they told me it was fine—they just wanted to meet me as a person. That moment gave me confidence.”
The interview process was rigorous but fair. “It was interesting and I was optimistic,” Yusuf said. “Two days later, I received another email inviting me for training. During the training, we learned problem-solving, leadership, and data management—skills people often pay hundreds of thousands to acquire.”
For Yusuf, the programme is transformative. “We were treated well and are now tasked with going back to our communities to help at primary health centers,” he explained. “This is a privilege because we come from diverse fields—psychologists, sociologists—all working together to make an impact.”
Reflecting on President Tinubu’s pronouncement that fellows will be employed upon completing their tenure, Yusuf expressed his gratitude and optimism. “If this is implemented as promised, it’s amazing! It shows that even in Nigeria, where many think you need connections to succeed, merit can prevail. I haven’t even gone for service yet, and here I am with this incredible opportunity.”
Yusuf’s message is one of hope: “Don’t give up. Opportunities like this show that hard work pays off. Take every chance you get—you never know where it might lead.”
For Toyin Afolabi, representing Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State, the programme has been nothing short of life-changing. A graduate of anatomy, Toyin expressed her gratitude for being part of an initiative that prioritizes youth empowerment.
She said: “We’ve learned so much about leadership and public health. Now we’re ready to implement what we’ve learned and make primary healthcare accessible for everyone.”
Toyin also emphasised the transparency of the selection process, saying: “This is the first time I’ve witnessed something like this in Nigeria—where merit truly counts. It shows that hard work pays off.”
Her message to other young Nigerians was simple yet powerful: “Keep striving and believing in yourself. When opportunities like this come, you’ll be ready.”
Nwankwo Amarachi Treasure, from Bende Local Government Area in Abia State, echoed similar sentiments about the fairness of the process. A computer science graduate, Amarachi admitted she initially doubted her chances due to Nigeria’s often opaque recruitment systems. She said: “But this programme proved me wrong. It was transparent and based on merit.”
Amarachi sees her role as a fellow as an opportunity to bring meaningful change to her community: “I’m here to represent my local government area and ensure that primary healthcare services improve. This is a prayer answered—a dream come true.”
Speaking passionately about her experience, Onyeyechi Uche, a microbiology graduate from Delta State, one of the beneficiaries of the groundbreaking initiative, shared her journey and the impact of the programme on her career.
She explained: “The programme is all about leadership in the health sector. We are undergoing a nine-month fellowship where we receive rigorous training and mentorship. After completing the fellowship in November, we are assured of employment, as Mr. President promised.”
For Onyeyechi, the programme represents a rare opportunity. “I graduated in 2020 and have been submitting job applications online every day since then. When they called us for this, we thought it was a scam because no employment process has ever been this free and fair. Even the interview was rigorous—we were interviewed by seven people—but it was transparent.”
Her excitement stems from the programme’s merit-based selection process. “The way they took us based on merit—it’s incredible! I’ve never seen anything like this before. It gives hope that opportunities can truly be fair.”
Reflecting on her experience, Onyeyechi offered a message of encouragement. She said: “We shouldn’t give up. No knowledge is lost, and no opportunity is wasted. When you see an opportunity, take it—you never know where it might lead. We are very grateful to Mr. President for this chance and say a big thank you.”
The National Health Fellows programme aims to develop future leaders in Nigeria’s health sector through training, mentorship, and hands-on experience in primary healthcare delivery. It underscores the government’s commitment to human capital development and innovation in healthcare
The National Health Fellows programme was conceived as part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Coordinating minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described it as a bold step toward transforming Nigeria’s health sector by investing in human capital development.
“These fellows will serve as social accountability agents,” Pate explained during the launch event. “They are tasked with ensuring that our healthcare centers perform optimally while driving innovation and expanding access to quality care.”
He added that their diverse expertise—from medicine to information technology—positions them as critical agents of change in their communities. The programme also includes plans to expand PHCs from 8,809 to 17,618 by 2027—a monumental task that will require collaboration across all levels of government.
Pate emphasized that these fellows are not just participants but future leaders who will shape Nigeria’s healthcare system for years to come.
Since February 27, 2025, the fellows have undergone intensive training designed to prepare them for their roles as change-makers in primary healthcare delivery. The curriculum includes modules on leadership development, data analysis, public health strategies, and community engagement—all delivered by seasoned experts.
President Tinubu’s decision to guarantee employment for all 774 fellows underscores his administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges head-on. The President highlighted that “this programme represents a structural shift in how we approach healthcare delivery in Nigeria. By empowering young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed, we’re laying the foundation for a healthier future.”
The fellows’ work will focus on monitoring PHCs across their respective local government areas—a task that includes evaluating service delivery standards and ensuring accountability for funds allocated under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
The programme has also drawn praise from stakeholders across Nigeria’s health sector. Dr. Kim Emmanuel John, Commissioner for Health in Akwa Ibom State, commended Tinubu’s leadership. He said: “This initiative shows that Mr. President is committed to building a resilient health system capable of meeting our nation’s needs.”