Over 150,000 applicants from across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have applied for the National Health Fellows Programme (NHF) 2.0 as physical interviews commence on Monday, January 12, 2026.
This was disclosed in a media statement issued on Sunday by the SWAp Coordination Office under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The Office also announced the commencement of the final interview stage of NHF 2.0, scheduled to begin nationwide on Monday, January 12, 2026.
“This marks a pivotal moment in a national journey that began with an open public call, attracting over 150,000 applicants from across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).”
The National Health Fellows Programme is a flagship initiative that provides a unique opportunity for a new generation of health system leaders, one from each LGA, to learn, observe, and actively participate in Nigeria’s ongoing health sector-wide reforms.
The selection process has been thorough, inclusive, and merit-based, beginning with digital screening tools designed to optimise fairness and efficiency, followed by multiple layers of rigorous shortlisting. The top-performing candidates are now set to undergo in-person interviews in their respective states.
Each state-level interview panel is composed of representatives from: • World Health Organisation (WHO) State Coordinator (Chair)
• State Ministry of Health
• State Primary Health Care Development Agency
• Academia
• ALGON Chair in each state
• Traditional leaders
• SWAp Desk Officer (Secretary)
This multi-stakeholder structure reflects Nigeria’s strong commitment to equity, transparency, and inclusive governance in health leadership development.
According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate,
“This process is part of our nation-building effort. We commend the extraordinary interest shown by young Nigerians and reaffirm our commitment to fairness, transparency, and excellence. We look forward to meeting and empowering the finest candidates from each LGA, who will help drive the transformation of our health system.”
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, added:
“What we are witnessing through this programme is a new model of talent discovery and human capital development for the health sector. It is encouraging to see so many young Nigerians rise to the call to serve. The integrity of this process will ensure that only the most committed are selected to lead change from the grassroots.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Kachollom S. Daju, mni, emphasised:
“This programme is helping to institutionalise a culture of transparency and excellence within our public service recruitment processes. The Fellows we select will not only support health delivery; they represent the values and future we are building across the entire system.”
Following the interviews, selected Fellows will proceed to a residential national training programme in Abuja, after which they will be deployed to their LGAs to champion innovation, accountability, and community-driven health interventions.
