The Federal Government National Health Fellows Programme is a 12-month initiative in Nigeria, led by the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The program aims to comprehensively upgrade and construct primary healthcare centres across the country. The fellowship provides participants with training, fieldwork, and mentorship, along with a stipend to cover participation and living expenses. To be eligible, applicants must be Nigerian citizens between the ages of 25 and 35, hold a Bachelor’s degree (in health-related, IT, or social sciences), demonstrate interest or experience in public health, and must be an indigene of the state being applied for.
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Nigerian Federal Government National Health Fellows Programme 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Federal Government of Nigeria |
| Study Abroad | N/A (Domestic Program) |
| Category | Training |
| Eligible Countries | Nigeria |
| Reward | Stipends |
| Key Criteria | Age 25-35, Bachelor’s Degree (Health/IT/Social Sciences), Indigene of State, Full-Time Availability |
| Application Deadline | Not Specified |
The National Health Fellows Program is a significant national initiative designed to engage young, talented Nigeria citizens in the crucial task of transforming the country’s primary healthcare sector. This 12-month full-time fellowship is implemented through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative SWAp Coordination Office, under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The program focuses on comprehensively upgrading existing primary healthcare centers and constructing new ones across all local government areas.
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Benefits and Specific Awards of the National Health Fellows Program
The program offers a comprehensive development experience, combining practical fieldwork with financial support.
Tier 1: Core Financial Award (Monthly Stipend)
This tier details the financial support provided to the accepted Fellows.
- Monthly Stipend: Fellows will receive a stipend to support their participation and living expenses throughout the 12-month programme.
Tier 2: Core Program Focus and Scope (12-Month Training)
This tier highlights the developmental and practical aspects of the fellowship.
- Duration and Content: The National Health Fellows Program lasts for a period of 12 months and provides participants with intensive training, structured fieldwork, and dedicated mentorship.
- Objective: The overarching goal is to achieve accessible and qualitative healthcare delivery through the provision of new social accountability mechanisms and the physical development of over 8,800 new primary healthcare centres.
- Placement Roles: The roles cut across various functions, indicating a need for diverse skills, though specific departments were not detailed.
Tier 3: Key Requirements and Skills Emphasis
Selection places a high premium on age, academic background, demonstrated interest, and regional origin.
- Age and Education: Candidates must be between the ages of 25 and 35 and hold a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related, IT, or social sciences course.
- Sector Interest: Applicants must show a demonstrable interest and/or experience in Public Health, or within a health-related NGO and partner organization, or through community projects that demonstrate leadership and initiative.
- Skills: Essential soft skills include demonstrated analytical skills and an entrepreneurial drive.
Eligibility Requirements for National Health Fellows Program 2026
To be considered for the National Health Fellows Program, applicants must meet strict criteria related to their age, education, and origin.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Must be between the ages of 25 and 35.
- Must possess a Bachelor’s degree (health-related, IT, or social sciences).
- Must provide a Recommendation from the University Dean OR NYSC place of primary assignment, or a respected organisation demonstrating character and leadership.
- Must demonstrate analytical skills and entrepreneurial drive.
- Study Status:
- Candidates must be available to participate full-time in the fellowship programme.
- Visa Status:
- Candidates must be young citizens of Nigeria (eligible countries: Nigeria).
- Candidates must be an indigene of the state being applied for.
- Program Admission (Technical):
- Candidates must possess smartphones with data capabilities (i.e., for WhatsApp, Zoom, etc.).
How to Apply for National Health Fellows Program 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process is conducted entirely online via the official National Health Fellows (NHF) page.
- Access the Application Portal: Use the CLICK HERE TO APPLY button below to navigate to the official National Health Fellows (NHF) program page.
- Locate ‘Apply Now’: On the NHF page, click the red APPLY NOW button.
- Complete the Form: Proceed to fill out the application form appropriately, ensuring all required information regarding your background, experience, and indigene status is accurately provided.
- Submit Application: Submit the completed online application form.
Application Deadline: Not Specified
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the duration of the National Health Fellows Program?
The program is a full-time commitment that will last for a period of 12 months.
2. What financial support do participants receive?
Fellows will receive a stipend intended to support their participation and cover their living expenses during the 12-month program.
3. What is the age requirement for applicants?
Applicants must be between the ages of 25 and 35 to be eligible for the program.
4. What fields of study are eligible for the Bachelor’s degree requirement?
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related, IT, or social sciences course.
5. Is a recommendation letter required for the application?
Yes, a recommendation is required from the University Dean, NYSC place of primary assignment, or a respected organisation that can attest to the candidate’s character and leadership.
6. Do I have to be a resident of the state I am applying to?
Yes, a strict eligibility requirement is that candidates must be an indigene of the state being applied for.
7. What kind of experience is the program looking for?
The program seeks candidates with demonstrable interest or experience in Public Health, health-related NGOs, or community projects that show leadership.
8. What is the focus of the National Health Fellows Program?
The program’s focus is on the comprehensive upgrade and construction of primary healthcare centres across all local government areas in Nigeria.
9. Is the application deadline specified?
No, the application deadline is currently Not Specified. Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible via the online portal.
10. Can I apply if I am unable to commit full-time?
No, candidates must be available to participate full-time in the fellowship program for the entire 12-month duration.
