In a bid to expand youth participation in the healthcare sector, the Federal Government has announced plans to engage over 200,000 applicants who were not selected for the newly launched National Health Fellows Programme as ‘National Health Associates.’
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate announced during the programme launch and the unveiling of the State of Health Report 2024 in Abuja.
Pate stated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to strengthen the country’s health workforce and create opportunities for young Nigerians.
“The 774 National Health Fellows gathered here today emerged from over 360,000 applicants who submitted applications online in just one week.
“The selection process was rigorous, ensuring that only the best from each local government were chosen. However, we are not leaving behind the many talented young Nigerians who were not selected,” the minister said.
According to him, the National Health Associates programme will enable the additional 200,000 young Nigerians to develop their skills, build capacity and contribute to service delivery in their communities.
He emphasised that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s youth – who make up more than 60 per cent of the population – to drive healthcare transformation.
Reaffirming the administration’s focus on youth empowerment, Pate highlighted the rigorous and transparent selection process that produced the first cohort of fellows.
“The National Health Fellows Programme is not just about recruitment. It is a testament to our commitment to a country where equal opportunities exist for every Nigerian,” he said.
The decision to engage more young Nigerians comes as the country faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals.
Stakeholders believe that by creating a structured program for training and engagement, the government can address gaps in service delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Health analysts have praised the initiative, stating that empowering young Nigerians with healthcare skills will yield long-term benefits, including improved access to primary healthcare, reduced unemployment and increased innovation in the sector.
The Ministry of Health has assured that details regarding the National Health Associates program, including roles, responsibilities, and training schedules, will be released in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, stakeholders, including state governors and local government authorities, have been urged to support the initiative by creating opportunities for these young professionals in their respective domains.
As Nigeria continues to seek solutions to its healthcare challenges, experts argue that investing in human capital remains a crucial step toward achieving a stronger and more resilient health system.
