By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Federal Government has commenced the final interview stage of the National Health Fellows Program (NHF) 2.0.
According to the SWAp Coordination Office under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the journey began with an open public call, which attracted over 150,000 applicants from across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The National Health Fellowship program is a flagship initiative that provides a unique opportunity for a new generation of health system leaders, one from each LGA, to learn, observe, and actively participate in Nigeria’s ongoing health sector-wide reform.
The top-performing candidates are said to undergo in-person interviews in their respective states.
With each state-level interview panel composed of representatives from: World Health Organisation (WHO) State Coordinator (Chair), State Ministry of Health, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Representative of the Academia, ALGON Chair per state, Representative of Traditional Leaders and the SWAp Desk Officer (Secretary)
Speaking in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated that, “This process is part of our nation-building. We commend the extraordinary interest shown by young Nigerians and reaffirm our commitment to fairness, transparency, and excellence.
“We look forward to meeting and empowering the finest candidates from each LGA, who will help drive the transformation of our health system.”
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, added, “What we are witnessing through this program is a new model of talent discovery and human capital development for the health sector. It is encouraging to see so many young Nigerians rise to the call to serve. The integrity of this process will ensure that only the most committed are selected to lead change from the grassroots.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Kachollom S. Daju, emphasized; “This program is helping to institutionalize a culture of transparency and excellence within our public service recruitment processes. The Fellows we select will not only support health delivery, they represent the values and future we are building across the entire system.”
It is said, that after the interviews, selected Fellows will proceed to a residential national training in Abuja, after which they will be deployed to their LGAs to champion innovation, accountability, and community-driven health interventions.
