Program Snapshot

Why the National Health Fellows Program Matters

Nigeria is undertaking a major primary healthcare revitalization effort to expand access, quality and community accountability. The NHFP is a strategic investment in human capital: it trains a cohort of young professionals who can implement, monitor and sustain improvements at local levels. For participants, the fellowship is both a service and professional development opportunity — combining practical experience with exposure to national health policy and implementation processes.

Fellows contribute directly to meaningful outputs — from facility assessments and community health promotion to data collection and small infrastructure projects — while gaining leadership experience and professional networks that accelerate their careers in public health, NGOs, or development practice.

Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply

Successful applicants must meet the following baseline requirements. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee selection; the process is competitive and merit-based.

• Be a Nigerian citizen between the ages of 25 and 35.
• Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related discipline, information technology, social sciences, or closely related fields.
• Demonstrate interest or experience in public health, community projects, health-related NGOs, or partner organizations.
• Be prepared to commit full-time to the 12-month fellowship schedule.
• Be an indigene of the state you are applying to (state selection is part of placement and verification).
• Possess a functional smartphone with data access for virtual sessions and digital reporting tools (Zoom, WhatsApp, email).
• Supply a credible recommendation from a University Dean, NYSC supervisor (place of primary assignment), or a recognized organization attesting to character and leadership.
• Demonstrate analytical skills, initiative and an entrepreneurial outlook toward community health improvement.

Note: Applicants who cannot commit to full-time participation or who do not meet the age or residency requirements are not eligible.

Program Benefits — What Fellows Receive

The National Health Fellows Program provides a package of financial, professional and practical benefits aimed at enabling fellows to perform effectively in the field and build a strong career foundation:

• Monthly stipend: Fellows receive a stipend to support living costs during the 12-month placement (amount determined by program administrators and consistent across cohorts).
• Intensive training: Pre-placement orientation and periodic in-service training in public health program management, data systems, community engagement and accountability.
• Fieldwork & supervised placements: Practical assignments at primary healthcare centers, Local Government Area (LGA) offices, and community outreach sites.
• Mentorship & professional support: Assigned mentors from the health ministry, partner agencies or experienced practitioners who support learning and career progression.
• Networking: Access to national and state forums, cross-sectoral partners, and learning exchanges that expose fellows to policy-making and program design.
• Certificate of completion: An official certificate documenting the fellowship experience, useful for future employment or graduate study applications.

Program Structure & Core Components

The fellowship blends classroom training with hands-on practice. Typical program elements include:

• Orientation (2–4 weeks): Induction into national health priorities, ethical conduct, safeguarding, data reporting systems and fellowship expectations.
• Technical modules: Short courses on primary healthcare management, disease surveillance, maternal and child health, health financing, digital health tools, and community mobilization.
• Field placement (majority of the year): Supervised work in PHCs and LGA offices focusing on practical tasks — facility assessments, service quality improvement, health education, and data collection.
• Mentorship meetings: Regular check-ins with assigned mentors to reflect on progress, troubleshoot challenges and plan professional development.
• Capstone deliverable: A final project or report demonstrating program impact, lessons learned, and recommendations for the host facility or community.

Participation is monitored through periodic evaluations, including performance assessments by supervisors and feedback from community stakeholders.

Stipend & Financial Administration

The fellowship stipend is issued monthly to fellows to cover basic living and transportation expenses. Exact amounts and disbursement mechanisms are determined by the program office and partner financial institutions. Fellows must maintain accurate expense records for accountability and auditing purposes.

Fellows may also receive modest allowances for specific activities (e.g., community events or data collection costs) upon approval by their supervisor. The program emphasizes transparency in financial management and requires fellows to adhere to financial reporting guidelines supplied during orientation.

Placement Locations & State Eligibility

Fellows are placed in primary healthcare facilities and LGA health offices within the state they indicated during application. Preference is given to candidates who are indigene to the state to enhance local accountability and community acceptance. Placement considers facility needs, security conditions, and availability of qualified supervisors.

Successful placement depends on verification of qualifications, availability of supervisory structures, and the program’s operational needs at the state level.

Selection Process — How Candidates Are Chosen

The selection process is designed to be transparent and merit-based, combining objective and contextual assessments:

1. Eligibility screening: Applications are checked for baseline criteria (age, nationality, degree, NIN/BVN validity, residency/indigene status).
2. Document verification: Submitted certificates, transcripts, and recommendation letters are validated.
3. Shortlisting: Applicants with strong profiles are shortlisted based on academic credentials, relevant experience and demonstrated community engagement.
4. Assessment/Interview: Shortlisted candidates undergo a competency-based interview (virtual or in-person) to assess attitude, analytical capacity, problem solving and communication skills.
5. Final selection & placement: Selected fellows are assigned to states and facilities and provided pre-placement instructions.

Selection panels include representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, state health authorities and technical partners to ensure fairness and operational alignment.

Required Documents — What to Prepare

Before applying, assemble the following documents. Applications missing required attachments may be disqualified.

• Completed application form with accurate personal and contact details.
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificate(s).
• National Identity Number (NIN) evidence and Bank Verification Number (BVN) confirmation.
• Proof of state indigene status or local origin documentation.
• Recommendation letter from a University Dean, NYSC supervisor or reputable organization.
• CV (updated) outlining education, work experience, community projects and relevant skills.
• Personal statement (500–800 words) describing motivation, relevant experience, and how you will contribute to primary healthcare improvements.
• Any additional documents requested in the application portal (e.g., professional certificates).

How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this checklist to submit a competitive application:

1. Prepare documents: Gather scans of degree certificates, transcripts, NIN/BVN, CV and recommendation letters.
2. Write a focused personal statement: Explain your motivation, relevant experience and how you plan to support community health improvement.
3. Complete the online application form: Fill every required field carefully and attach the requested documents.
4. Confirm state selection: Choose the state you are an indigene of and intend to serve — ensure the documentation supports this claim.
5. Submit before the portal closes: Applications are processed on a rolling basis; submit as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues.
6. Monitor communications: Check the email and phone number you provided for shortlisting notices or interview invitations.

Tip: Keep electronic and physical copies of all submitted documents. If shortlisted, be ready to present originals during verification.

Practical Tips to Improve Your Chances

• Tailor your personal statement: Use concrete examples of community impact, leadership and measurable results.
• Choose referees wisely: Select referees who can speak directly to your character, initiative and technical competence.
• Highlight relevant projects: Document any community health projects, volunteering or data collection experience.
• Show readiness for fieldwork: Demonstrate adaptability, digital literacy and local language skills where applicable.
• Be responsive: Answer emails and calls promptly during the shortlisting and interviewing period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is eligible to apply?

A: Nigerian citizens aged 25–35 with a Bachelor’s degree (health, IT, social sciences or related fields) who are indigene to the state applied for and available for full-time placement.

Q: Is there an application fee?

A: No — there is no application fee for the National Health Fellows Program.

Q: How long does the fellowship last?

A: The program runs for 12 months of full-time training and fieldwork.

Q: Will the fellowship guarantee employment after completion?

A: The fellowship is a professional development program and does not automatically guarantee permanent employment, though fellows gain significant experience and networks that improve employability.

Q: Do I need prior work experience?

A: Some relevant experience in community projects, public health or NGOs is beneficial but not always mandatory; strong academic records, leadership and motivation can also be highly competitive.

Q: What happens after the fellowship?

A: Alumni are encouraged to continue working in public health, join government or NGO programs, or pursue further studies. The program maintains alumni networks and may support job placement initiatives.

Conclusion — Your Next Steps

The National Health Fellows Program 2026 is a high-impact opportunity for motivated Nigerian youth to contribute to the nation’s primary healthcare transformation while building practical skills and professional networks. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about improving community health, prepare your documents, write a strong personal statement, and apply early.

Participating in NHFP will not only advance your career prospects but also place you at the forefront of a national effort to improve health outcomes for millions across Nigeria.