Deadline: Unspecified
The National Health Fellows Programme (NHFP) in Nigeria is a strategic nationwide initiative designed to strengthen primary healthcare delivery by empowering young Nigerians to serve as health leadership ambassadors in their respective communities. The programme is a key component of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) and supports the government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.
This post provides full details on the programme structure, eligibility, benefits, expectations, and how to apply. If you are a young Nigerian passionate about public health, community impact, or social innovation, this is a major opportunity.
About the National Health Fellows Programme (NHFP)
The National Health Fellows Programme is part of the Federal Government’s nationwide effort to:
- Strengthen the healthcare workforce at the grassroots
- Upgrade existing primary healthcare centres (PHCs)
- Construct 8,800 new PHCs across Nigeria
- Promote youth leadership in public health delivery
- Improve healthcare equity and outcomes for underserved communities
Fellows will be engaged in 12 months of full-time field experience, working directly with primary healthcare structures, state actors, and local communities.
Programme Objectives
- Build a new generation of young leaders in Nigeria’s public health system
- Provide professional field experience in health systems strengthening
- Support real-time implementation of federal primary healthcare reforms
- Promote community ownership and accountability in public health
- Bridge systemic gaps between government, healthcare facilities, and local citizens
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the National Health Fellows Programme, applicants must:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 25 – 35 years old |
| Education | Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (health sciences, social sciences, IT, etc.) |
| Nationality | Nigerian citizen |
| Indigene Status | Must be an indigene of the state being applied for |
| Commitment | Must be available for full-time participation for 12 months |
| Experience / Interest | Demonstrated interest in public health, community development, NGOs, or related fields |
| Skills | Leadership ability, problem-solving capacity, community engagement |
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for:
- Young graduates seeking health systems leadership experience
- Individuals with NGO or community development background
- Candidates interested in public policy, health innovation, or SDG-3 (Good Health & Well-Being)
- Youth leaders already involved in advocacy or grassroots projects
- Applicants who want to build a career in national health administration or global health
Programme Structure & Benefits
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Placement Location | All 774 LGAs across Nigeria |
| Duration | 12-month full-time fellowship |
| Compensation | Monthly stipend provided to support living costs |
| Host Ministry | Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare |
| Implementation Office | Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office |
| Role of Fellows | Monitoring, reporting, community engagement, systems strengthening, field data gathering |
| Professional Growth | Access to high-level training, supervision, mentors and health leadership networks |
Why the National Health Fellows Programme Matters
Nigeria’s primary healthcare sector has long struggled with poor funding, uneven staffing, and fragmented service delivery. The NHFP provides a youth-powered solution by deploying trained fellows into every Local Government Area to support real-time health system strengthening.
The National Health Fellows Programme in Nigeria is not just another youth opportunity – it is a nation-building assignment with long-term career impact.
Application Timeline & Key Notes
- Application Portal: Now Open
- Submission is 100% online
- Selection is state-based – each applicant must apply only to their state of origin
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview/assessment
- Final selection will be publicly announced before deployment
Before You Apply – Important Considerations
✅ Full-time commitment required – no other job or postgraduate study allowed
✅ Stipend covers basic living costs during the programme
✅ Placement is done locally, not by personal choice
✅ Only eligible once – no repeat or dual applications
✅ Programme begins immediately after onboarding & training
📢 For Organisations / Partners
If you are an NGO, social impact organisation, donor, research institution, or grant funder interested in partnering, training, or providing technical support to the fellowship ecosystem, this programme offers collaboration potential in:
- Grant writing & resource mobilisation
- Community-level project design
- Digital health systems training
- Monitoring and evaluation support
- Behaviour change / social mobilisation work
(If you want a partnership pitch deck drafted, GrantsDatabase can support.)
Need Help with Application Documents?
If you require professional support with proposal drafting, refining and review (CV, statement of purpose, organisational collaboration proposal, etc.), contact us and we will support you.
