The Federal Capital Territory Administration, through its Health Services and Environment Secretariat, has officially launched the FCT National Health Fellows Selection Committee as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to recruit Health Fellows nationwide.
The Federal Government recently introduced the National Health Fellows Programme under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative/Sector-Wide Approach, overseen by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
This programme aims to develop a new generation of healthcare leaders through structured capacity building, professional growth, and impactful fieldwork. It seeks to engage young Nigerian fellows from all 774 local government areas under a sector-wide approach.
During the committee’s inauguration, the Mandate Secretary of HSES, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, described the initiative as a strategic investment in strengthening human resources for health.
A statement signed by Bola Ajao, Special Adviser on Media to Dr Fasawe, highlighted that the programme is part of the Human Capital Opportunity for Prosperity and Equity Programme. It is designed to recruit talented youths and early-career professionals to serve as vanguards of the health sector.
Dr Fasawe also emphasized the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to upgrading existing primary healthcare centers and establishing new ones across the country.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the FCTA’s vision under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike to provide a strong and efficient healthcare system for Abuja residents.
According to her, the newly recruited fellows will play a crucial role in overseeing activities at healthcare facilities, providing feedback to the government, and performing key tasks to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.
She urged committee members to carry out their duties with diligence, fairness, and impartiality to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are selected.
The statement further mentioned that selected fellows would receive training in leadership, public health, financial management, problem-solving, and monitoring and evaluation to help achieve the programme’s objectives.
The Permanent Secretary of HSES, Baba Gana Adam, who serves as the committee’s Vice Chairman, praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its dedication to improving the health sector.
He also expressed appreciation to the FCTA for the opportunity to contribute towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and tackling health challenges in the FCT and the nation.
Earlier, the FCT State Coordinator for the World Health Organisation, Dr Kumshida Yakubu Balami, explained that the programme operates under the SWAp Secretariat within the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
She outlined WHO’s guidelines for the programme’s effective coordination, stating that one requirement is the establishment of a seven-member National Health Fellows Selection Committee, which the FCTA has fully implemented. The committee is tasked with overseeing the selection process, screening candidates, and submitting a semi-final list to the SWAp Coordinator’s office.
Committee members include Dan Gadzama, Teresa Nwachukwu (SWAp desk officer), Aderonke Akande, Maimuna Abdullahi, and Danladi Chiya.
The statement concluded by noting that this inauguration is a major step towards advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system, nurturing future health leaders, and ensuring improved healthcare service delivery nationwide.
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