FCTA Inaugurates National Health Fellows Selection Committee

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated the FCT National Health Fellows Selection Committee through its Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES).

This initiative is part of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s broader strategy to recruit Health Fellows across the nation, which aims to engage young Nigerian professionals from all 774 local government areas, employing a sector-wide approach.

The mandate secretary of HSES, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, during the inauguration yesterday in Abuja, highlighted the importance of this initiative as a strategic investment in human resources for health.

She described it as a component of the Human Capital Opportunity for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme, intended to recruit talented youth and early-career professionals to become leaders in the health sector.

Fasawe reiterated the federal government’s commitment to upgrading existing Primary Health Care (PHC) centres and establishing new ones throughout the country.

She emphasised that this effort aligns with the FCT administration’s vision, under the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, to create a robust and effective healthcare system for the residents of Abuja.

The newly appointed fellows are expected to play a crucial role in managing activities at these healthcare facilities, providing key feedback to the government, and undertaking various tasks to enhance the country’s healthcare delivery.

Fasawe further urged committee members to approach the selection process with diligence, fairness, and impartiality to ensure the selection of the most qualified candidates.

The selected fellows will receive training in leadership, public health, financial management, problem-solving, and monitoring and evaluation, all aimed at fulfilling the programme’s objectives.

The permanent secretary of HSES and vice chairman of the committee, Dr. Baba Gana Adam, commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its dedication to strengthening the health sector.

He expressed gratitude to the FCT Administration for enabling contributions toward Universal Health Coverage and addressing the health challenges within the FCT and across Nigeria.

Earlier, Dr. Kumshida Yakubu Balami, the FCT state coordinator for the World Health Organisation (WHO), explained that this programme operates under the Sector Wide Action Plan (SWAP) Secretariat in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

She detailed the WHO-issued guidelines aimed at ensuring seamless programme coordination.

Balami noted that one of the key requirements is the formation of a seven-member National Health Fellows Selection Committee, which the FCT has fully adopted.

The committee is tasked with managing the entire selection process, evaluating candidates, and submitting a semi-final list to the SWAP Coordinator’s office.