Tinubu approves employment for 774 National Health Fellows
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sanctioned the recruitment of 774 National Health Fellows, a significant initiative spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Health to drive lasting improvements in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the official launch of the programme at the State House in Abuja, an event attended by Nigeria’s development partners, senior government officials, and traditional leaders, including the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The decision to employ one fellow from each local council followed the recommendation of Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. He revealed that the fellows were chosen from over 360,000 applicants, ensuring that only the most qualified were selected.
The unexpected approval by President Tinubu was met with thunderous applause from the fellows and other guests in attendance.
Hailing the programme as a groundbreaking initiative, President Tinubu commended the rigorous selection process and underscored its transformative impact on the nation’s youth.
“This initiative highlights my administration’s unwavering commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s greatest asset—its young people. With over 60% of Nigerians under 30, we possess one of the world’s most vibrant, resourceful, and innovative youth populations. This represents a unique opportunity to drive progress, economic prosperity, and social transformation,” President Tinubu stated.
The National Health Fellows programme is one of several platforms introduced by the administration to empower Nigerian youths, enabling them to excel and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Encouraging the newly recruited fellows, the President urged them to embrace the opportunity wholeheartedly, reminding them that they are the future leaders of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“Your selection is not just about employment; it is a testament to our vision of building a country where every Nigerian has access to equal opportunities—regardless of social background, gender, or belief. You are Nigeria’s most valuable asset, and we remain committed to creating a future where our nation stands tall with pride,” Tinubu affirmed.
President Tinubu stressed that the initiative was designed to cultivate a new generation of healthcare leaders who will drive sustainable change and innovation in Nigeria’s medical sector.
“Healthcare is a fundamental pillar of national development. No nation can thrive if its people are unhealthy. While an unsustainable health system poses risks, sustainable development depends on robust healthcare infrastructure. You are the backbone of this vision, and I am immensely proud to stand before you today,” the President declared.
Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme, describing it as a pivotal step towards revolutionising Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
“The movement to enhance the health of Nigerians has begun, and we are already seeing positive results,” he remarked.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Youth, Ayodele Olawande, and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, delivered inspiring messages, urging the fellows to seize the opportunity and play an active role in transforming Nigeria’s healthcare landscape
