FG Kicks Off National Health Fellows Programme To Drive Innovation In Health Sector

ABUJA – The Federal Government has commenced synchronous training sessions for successful applicants of its one-year National Health Fellows Programme, an initiative designed to foster meaningful change and innovation in Nigeria’s health sector.

Addressing the Fellows selected on merit from across the 774 local government areas the Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, urged them to seize the opportunity provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to build capacity, learn, and contribute meaningfully to healthcare reforms.

“So the President is giving you this as an opportunity. What do you do with an opportunity? You seize it. Build yourself. Learn. You have coaches and mentors to guide you especially in primary healthcare. Participate in the synchronous planning. Think deeply about your interests,” he charged.

Prof. Pate emphasized that the National Health Fellows Programme underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for health sector reform. He encouraged the Fellows to view their training as a platform to develop leadership qualities such as honesty, courage, and resilience.

Speaking after inspecting training centers in Abuja, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s confidence in the Fellows, describing them as the future leaders of Nigeria’s health sector.

“These are future leaders who will accelerate the pace of health sector reforms, improve accountability, and benefit from mentorship. Their contributions will help actualize the President’s vision for a prosperous and healthy Nigeria,” he stated.

Highlighting the merit-based selection process, Prof. Pate revealed that over 359,000 applicants applied for the programme but were not successful. However, those applicants will still be encouraged to participate in the Associate Health Fellows Programme to expand the impact of the initiative.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the initiative, citing the programme as a life-changing opportunity.

Mr. Godswill Michael from Nsenibom LGA, Akwa Ibom State, said the selection process restored his faith in the country, adding that the training would enhance his skills to contribute to his community’s development.

Similarly, Nadia Abdullahi Ahmed from Bauchi LGA, Bauchi State, described the programme as a stepping stone to greater heights. She commended the seamless and transparent application process, emphasizing the high quality of the training sessions.

The National Health Fellows were selected based on merit by the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

With this initiative, the Federal Government is not only grooming a new generation of health sector leaders but also reinforcing its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system for sustainable development.

Toyin Adebayo is dedicated professional with over a decade experience of covering news and current events.

My background lies in gathering and analyzing facts about newsworthy events through stories, features, interview, investigation, and observation. My reports have featured in many National Dailies and currently with INDEPENDENT Newspaper.

Toyin holds a BA Ed in English Education, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, National Association of Women Journalist. Married with kids.