FCTA Inaugurates National Health Fellows Selection Committee

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), has inaugurated the FCT National Health Fellows Selection Committee, aligning with the Federal Government’s broader efforts to recruit Health Fellows nationwide.

The National Health Fellows Programme, approved by President Bola Tinubu and announced in January 2025 by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, is designed to engage young Nigerian fellows across all 774 local government areas.

The initiative is part of the Human Capital Opportunity for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme, which aims to strengthen human resources in the health sector.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Mandate Secretary of HSES, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, described the programme as a strategic investment in healthcare. She highlighted its role in supporting the government’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and expand Primary Health Care (PHC) centres nationwide.

“This initiative aligns with the commitment of the FCT Administration, under the leadership of Bar. Nyesom Wike, to provide a strong and functional healthcare system for Abuja residents,” Dr. Fasawe stated.

She emphasised that the newly recruited fellows would play a crucial role in monitoring healthcare facilities, providing feedback to the government, and assisting in other essential tasks to improve healthcare delivery.

She also urged committee members to conduct a transparent, fair, and merit-based selection process to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are chosen.

The Permanent Secretary of HSES, Dr Baba Gana Adam, who serves as the committee‘s Vice Chairman, commended President Tinubu’s administration for prioritising healthcare improvements. He also appreciated the FCT Administration’s efforts in advancing Universal Health Coverage and addressing health challenges in both the FCT and Nigeria.

The FCT State Coordinator for the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Kumshida Yakubu Balami, explained that the programme falls under the Sector Wide Action Plan (SWAP) Secretariat in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

She highlighted WHO-issued guidelines for the programme’s coordination, including the requirement for a seven-member National Health Fellows Selection Committee, which the FCT has now fully established.

The committee, which is tasked with overseeing the selection process and submitting a semi-final list of candidates, includes Dr Dan Gadzama, Dr Teresa Nwachukwu (SWAP desk officer), Dr Aderonke Akande, Mrs Maimuna Abdullahi, and Mr Danladi Chiya.