The Federal Government has opened applications for the second cohort of the National Health Fellows Programme, a flagship initiative designed to strengthen Nigeria’s primary healthcare system and empower young professionals through a year-long service fellowship. The announcement was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who emphasized the programme’s role in improving service delivery at the grassroots.

The application window, which runs throughout November 2025, is open to Nigerians aged 25 to 35 with degrees in health-related fields, ICT, or social sciences. Eligible applicants must show interest or experience in public health or community development, be available for full-time service for 12 months, and be indigenes of the state where they intend to serve. Additional requirements include a smartphone, a recommendation letter, and proof of NYSC completion or exemption.

Under the programme, successful fellows will be deployed across all 774 local government areas to support primary healthcare centres. They will receive training, mentorship, and a monthly stipend. The initiative, part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), builds on the success of the first cohort, which received over 360,000 applications and deployed 774 fellows. The Ministry says the programme is a critical step toward improving accountability, transparency, and performance within Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.