The Federal Government has officially introduced NHFP Cohort II of the National Health Fellows Programme at the State House in Abuja on 17 February 2026. The ceremony was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
This second batch of Health Fellows will be deployed to all 774 Local Government Areas across Nigeria. The programme is part of ongoing efforts to improve primary health care services at the grassroots level.
For many young health professionals, this marks the start of direct involvement in strengthening local health systems.
Overview of the National Health Fellows Programme
The National Health Fellows Programme is a federal initiative designed to support primary health care delivery across Nigeria. It places trained professionals within local government health structures.
The Fellows work closely with:
Primary health care centres
Local government health departments
Community health workers
State health ministries
Their role includes improving coordination, monitoring health data, and supporting outreach activities such as immunisation drives and maternal health services.
From experience working within Nigeria’s public health space, gaps often exist between policy decisions at the federal level and implementation at local facilities. Programmes like NHFP are structured to reduce that gap by placing trained personnel directly in communities.
President Tinubu’s Address to the Fellows
During the launch event, President Tinubu encouraged the newly selected Fellows to serve with honour, humility, and courage. He expressed confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s health system.
His remarks reflect the administration’s focus on strengthening primary health care as a foundation for national development.
Primary health care remains the first point of contact for most Nigerians. Strengthening this level of care improves early diagnosis, disease prevention, and maternal and child health outcomes.
Nationwide Deployment Across 774 LGAs
Cohort II will operate in every Local Government Area in the country. This nationwide coverage ensures that both rural and urban communities are included.
The Fellows are expected to support:
Maternal and child health programmes
Routine immunisation services
Disease surveillance and reporting
Community health education
Data collection and performance monitoring
By working within local health authorities, they will assist in identifying service gaps and improving coordination.
In many LGAs, limited manpower affects service delivery. Additional trained personnel can help ease pressure on existing health workers.
Building on the First Cohort
The first cohort of NHFP provided practical lessons for programme improvement. Cohort II benefits from adjustments made after reviewing earlier implementation experiences.
Areas strengthened include:
Supervision and accountability structures
Clear reporting channels
Coordination with state health ministries
Performance tracking systems
Continuous improvement is necessary in public health programmes, especially when operating at national scale.
How NHFP Supports Primary Health Care in Nigeria
Primary health care in Nigeria covers services such as immunisation, antenatal care, basic treatment, and health education. When these services function properly, communities experience:
Lower preventable disease rates
Better maternal health outcomes
Improved vaccination coverage
Early detection of outbreaks
By assigning Fellows to LGAs, the programme aims to improve how these services are delivered and monitored.
For example, improved data reporting at local clinics can help state authorities respond faster to disease outbreaks. Community outreach can also increase awareness about preventive health practices.
Application Information for Prospective Candidates
The application period for NHFP 2025 and 2026 has already closed. Interested applicants should monitor official announcements from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for future cohorts.
Applicants are typically required to:
Be Nigerian citizens
Hold relevant qualifications in health or related fields
Demonstrate interest in community health service
Meet age and eligibility requirements stated in official guidelines
Always rely on verified government sources when seeking application links or programme details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Health Fellows Programme?
It is a federal initiative that deploys trained health professionals to Local Government Areas to support primary health care delivery.
How many LGAs are covered under Cohort II?
Cohort II covers all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.
Which ministry oversees NHFP?
The programme is managed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with state and local authorities.
Can new applicants still apply for Cohort II?
No. The application window has closed. Future announcements will be made through official government channels.
A Step Forward for Grassroots Health Services
The launch of NHFP Cohort II expands federal presence at the local health level. By placing trained professionals across all LGAs, the government is reinforcing its commitment to improving primary health care delivery.
Communities, health workers, and local authorities will need to work together with the Fellows to ensure effective service delivery. Strong coordination at the local level will determine how much impact the programme achieves in the coming months.
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