President Tinubu offers automatic employment to 774 National Health Fellows

President Bola Tinubu has announced automatic employment for all 774 fellows under the newly launched National Health Fellows Programme following their one-year service.

The announcement was made on Thursday during the programme’s launch at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

The fellows, who will monitor Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, were assured by the president, “You are hired,” as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s healthcare system.

The National Health Fellows Programme is a key initiative under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Approved in April 2024, the programme aims to enhance accountability and efficiency in healthcare delivery across the nation.

The fellows have been undergoing training since February 27, 2025, under the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) coordination office.

President Tinubu’s announcement came after a call by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for federal, state, and local governments to integrate the fellows into the workforce to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.

The president praised the fellows as pioneers of a new era in primary healthcare, emphasizing their critical role in transforming the sector.

Prof. Pate highlighted the importance of the programme in supporting the government’s plan to expand the number of PHCs in the country from 8,809 to 17,618 by 2027.

He stressed that the fellows would play a vital role in ensuring the success of this expansion, which is aimed at improving healthcare access and delivery for all Nigerians.

The National Health Fellows Programme represents a significant step in the Tinubu administration’s efforts to revitalize Nigeria’s healthcare system.

By deploying these fellows to monitor and improve PHCs across the country, the government aims to address longstanding challenges in healthcare delivery, including inefficiencies, lack of accountability, and inadequate access to quality care.

President Tinubu’s promise of automatic employment for the fellows underscores his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for young professionals while addressing critical gaps in the healthcare sector.

The initiative is expected to not only improve healthcare outcomes but also contribute to job creation and capacity building in the health sector.

Details of the programme’s implementation and the specific roles of the fellows will be further outlined as the initiative progresses.

The launch of the National Health Fellows Programme marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all citizens.

Insight into the National Health Fellows Programme

The programme is a prestigious initiative aimed at driving meaningful change and innovation in the country’s health sector.

Led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, this program seeks to cultivate a cadre of highly skilled and motivated health leaders.

The program is a one-year fellowship designed for emerging professionals from diverse fields, including health, information technology, and social sciences.

The program focuses on leadership development, innovation, and driving change in Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.

The objectives of the program include enhancing accountability and efficiency in healthcare delivery, supporting Universal Health Coverage, developing leadership traits in fellows, and fostering innovation and meaningful change in the health sector.

The application process typically involves submitting an online application, followed by a rigorous selection process, including virtual and physical interviews. Successful candidates are then notified and provided with onboarding details to join the fellowship.

President Tinubu launched the National Health Fellows Programme, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and service quality nationwide.

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