Over 150,000 Nigerians Apply as NHF 2.0 Physical Interviews Begin
More than 150,000 young Nigerians from all 774 Local Government Areas have applied for the National Health Fellows Programme (NHF) 2.0 as physical interviews officially begin nationwide on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The development was confirmed in a statement by the SWAp Coordination Office under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. According to the Office, the interview stage marks the final phase of a transparent and merit-based selection process aimed at identifying one outstanding Fellow from each LGA.
The National Health Fellows Programme is a flagship initiative designed to groom future health system leaders by giving them hands-on exposure to Nigeria’s health sector reforms. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in their respective states by panels made up of representatives from the World Health Organisation, State Ministries of Health, Primary Health Care Development Agencies, academia, local government leadership, traditional institutions, and the SWAp Office.
Commenting on the programme, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, described the process as a critical nation-building effort and praised the massive interest shown by young Nigerians. The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, added that the programme reflects a new approach to talent discovery and leadership development in the health sector.
Successful candidates will proceed to a residential national training programme in Abuja before being deployed to their Local Government Areas to support innovation, accountability, and community-based health interventions.
Full programme details and application updates can be found here: Insert official NHF application link here