National Health Fellows Programme 2025 for Young Emerging Nigerians | How to Apply
The Federal Government of Nigeria’s application for the National Health Fellows Programme 2025, a 12-month fellowship that pays a monthly stipend while training young Nigerians to work directly inside the country’s primary healthcare system is closed. No fixed deadline has been announced for this cycle. You must be a Nigerian citizen between 25 and 35, hold a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, IT, or the Social Sciences, and be an indigene of the state you’d serve in. This guide covers exactly who qualifies, what the fellowship involves, and how to apply.
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The National Health Fellows Programme sits inside a much larger national effort: the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (SWAp) Coordination Office under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is upgrading existing primary healthcare centres and building more than 8,800 new ones across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. Fellows aren’t observers in this effort — they’re placed directly into it, gaining hands-on fieldwork experience and mentorship while the government also introduces new social accountability mechanisms meant to improve transparency and community participation in how healthcare gets delivered at the grassroots level.
Fellowship Summary
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | National Health Fellows Programme |
| Host Country ⇒ | Nigeria |
| Study Level ⇒ | Training | Fellowships |
| Benefits ⇒ | A monthly stipend, intensive training, professional mentorship, and official certification from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare |
| Funded By ⇒ | Federal Government of Nigeria, via the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (SWAp) Coordination Office |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | Nigeria only |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | Not specified. Application has been closed. |
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What the National Health Fellows Programme Covers
- A monthly stipend to cover living expenses for the full 12-month duration
- Intensive capacity-building training and guidance
- An official recognition certificate from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
National Health Fellows Programme Required Documents
- CV or resume
- Birth certificate, or an affidavit of age declaration
- State of Origin certificate
- Degree certificate
- NYSC discharge certificate
- Letter of motivation or personal statement
- Contact details for one to two references
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Eligibility Requirements
You must:
- Be a Nigerian citizen
- Be between 25 and 35 years old
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, Information Technology, or the Social Sciences
- Show demonstrable interest or experience in public health, health-related NGOs or partner organisations, or community projects that reflect leadership and initiative
- Be available to participate full-time for the entire 12-month fellowship
- Be an indigene of the state you’re applying to serve in
- Own a smartphone with data capability, for communication through WhatsApp, Zoom, and similar platforms
- Provide a recommendation letter from your University Dean, your NYSC place of primary assignment, or a respected organisation attesting to your character and leadership
- Demonstrate strong analytical skills and entrepreneurial drive
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How to Apply for the National Health Fellows Programme
- Visit the official National Health Fellows Programme website and read through the full application details carefully before starting.
- Complete every section of the online application form, covering your personal, academic, and professional information.
- Upload all required documents, including your degree certificate, CV, passport photograph, recommendation letter, and proof of state of origin. Make sure every upload is clear and accurate.
- Submit one complete application before the deadline. Incomplete or multiple submissions can lead to disqualification.
- Wait for shortlisting. Successful candidates are contacted by email or phone for the next stage, which may include interviews or further screening.
- Begin onboarding once selected. The 12-month fellowship includes training, mentorship, and field assignments within your designated state.
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Application Deadline
No deadline was specified for this cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this fellowship require me to be an indigene of the state I’m applying to serve in?
The programme places fellows directly into primary healthcare work within specific states as part of a nationwide effort to upgrade and expand local health centres, so the indigene requirement ties each fellow to the community they’ll actually be working in.
Can I apply if I’m still serving under NYSC?
The eligibility criteria allow a recommendation letter from your NYSC place of primary assignment, which suggests current corps members can apply, but the required documents list a completed NYSC discharge certificate. Confirm your specific status directly with the programme before applying if you’re still serving.
Is this fellowship open to non-Nigerians or Nigerians living abroad?
No. Eligibility is restricted to Nigerian citizens, and the indigene-of-state requirement further ties eligibility to your specific state of origin within Nigeria.
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What happens if I submit my application more than once?
Multiple submissions can lead to disqualification, so submit one complete, accurate application rather than resubmitting to fix small errors.
Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria in this post were verified from official sources as of August 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official National Health Fellows Programme website before submitting your application. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with the Federal Government of Nigeria or the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
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