Applications Open for National Health Fellows Cohort II

The Federal Government has announced the commencement of applications for the second cohort of the National Health Fellows (NHF) Programme, a nationwide initiative designed to strengthen primary healthcare and develop future leaders within Nigeria’s health sector.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the programme, introduced earlier this year under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to build a pipeline of young professionals committed to improving health outcomes across all 774 Local Government Areas.

Pate confirmed that applications for the new cohort will open November 1–30, 2025, calling on passionate young Nigerians across various disciplines to apply. “This is a bold step toward building the next generation of healthcare leaders in Nigeria,” he said.

Massive interest recorded in first cohort

The inaugural edition received more than 360,000 applications, from which 774 fellows—one representing each LGA—were selected based on merit. The fellows have since been deployed nationwide, supporting primary healthcare centres, community interventions, governance structures, and data-driven health initiatives.

Eligibility and programme structure

The NHF targets Nigerian youths aged 25 to 35 with degrees in health sciences, social sciences, information technology, or related fields. Applicants must be indigenes of the state they apply to, possess a smartphone with data capability, and submit a recommendation letter from a university dean, NYSC supervisor, or a reputable organisation.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate interest or experience in public health, NGOs, community projects, or partner-led health initiatives. Strong analytical skills and entrepreneurial potential are also emphasised.

The fellowship runs for 12 months and offers structured training in leadership, governance, data analytics, and public health administration, followed by supervised field placement in local government health authorities.

A key part of healthcare reform

According to Pate, the National Health Fellows Programme is a central component of the government’s broader plan to rebuild primary healthcare from the grassroots. BusinessDay also reports that the initiative is coordinated through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (SWAp Coordination Office), with support from key agencies including the Federal Ministry of Health, State Health Agencies, and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

He described the programme as “a groundbreaking initiative set to develop a pipeline of healthcare leaders through capacity building, professional development, and community-based field engagement.”

The government urged eligible applicants to submit their forms before the November 30, 2025 deadline. Interested candidates can find detailed requirements and apply through the official website: healthfellows.ng.