Federal Government Begins Training for Participants of the One-Year National Health Fellows Programme

 Federal Government Begins Training for Participants of the One-Year National Health Fellows Programme

The Federal Government has commenced training for individuals who successfully enrolled in the one-year National Health Fellows Programme, which was created to bring about meaningful change and innovation in the healthcare sector.

While addressing the selected participants from the 774 local government areas of Nigeria, who represent various professional fields, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, urged the youths to view the programme as a gift and a major opportunity granted to them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

"The President is offering this to you as an opportunity. So, what will you do with it? Embrace it wholeheartedly. Build yourselves. Learn valuable skills. You have trainers and mentors who will guide you, especially in primary healthcare. Think deeply about what you are passionate about," he stated.

Professor Pate highlighted that the National Health Fellows Programme demonstrates how the Federal Government is investing in human development, aligning with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda, which aims to bring reforms in the healthcare sector.

He further encouraged the youth participants to view the training as an opportunity to learn and develop good leadership qualities such as honesty, courage, and resilience. The programme will also provide them with the chance to receive mentorship for the development of Nigeria.

After reviewing the training centers in Abuja, Professor Pate remarked:

"These youths are tomorrow’s leaders in the healthcare sector, and they will accelerate the implementation of necessary reforms, promote integrity and trust, while gaining training from experts."

"You will play a vital role in achieving the President's goal of building a prosperous and healthy nation."

He also mentioned that the selection was based on merit, with both men and women from every local government area being represented. He added that nearly 359,000 individuals applied for the programme but were not selected. However, an Associate Health Fellows programme has been planned to provide opportunities for others in the future.

During an interview with one of the participants, Mr. Godswill Michael from Nsenibom Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, he expressed that the selection process renewed his hope and confidence in his country. He also noted that the training would enhance his skills for the development of his community.

Another participant, Nadiya Abdullahi Ahmed from Bauchi Local Government Area, praised the programme, describing it as a great opportunity and a step towards achieving major goals, Insha Allah. She also mentioned that the training was efficient, from the application process to the selection of qualified candidates, which she said was done with ease and transparency.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that the selection of participants for the National Health Fellows Programme was based on merit, through the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.