FCTA Inaugurates Health Fellows Selection Committee to Strengthen Nigeria’s Healthcare System
By DAYO ADESULU
Federal Government’s Initiative Aims to Develop Future Health Leaders
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), has inaugurated the FCT National Health Fellows Selection Committee as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to recruit Health Fellows across the country.
A Nationwide Healthcare Development Programme
The National Health Fellows Programme, spearheaded by the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is designed to develop a new generation of healthcare leaders. This initiative focuses on strategic capacity building, professional development, and impactful fieldwork, engaging young Nigerian fellows across all 774 Local Government Areas.
Commitment to Strengthening Human Resources for Health
Speaking at the committee’s inauguration, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of HSES, described the programme as a strategic investment in human resources for health. According to a statement signed by Bola Ajao, Special Adviser on Media to Dr. Fasawe, the initiative aligns with the Human Capital Opportunity for Prosperity and Equity Programme, which seeks to recruit talented youths and early-career professionals to serve as key players in Nigeria’s health sector transformation.
Dr. Fasawe also highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and expand Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities nationwide. She emphasized that the newly recruited Health Fellows would play a crucial role in monitoring these facilities, providing feedback to the government, and ensuring effective healthcare service delivery.
Fair and Transparent Selection Process
The Mandate Secretary urged committee members to be diligent, fair, and impartial in selecting candidates to ensure only the most qualified individuals are chosen.
According to the statement:
“The selected fellows will undergo training in leadership, public health, financial management, problem-solving, and monitoring and evaluation—all essential for achieving the initiative’s objectives.”
Government and WHO Collaboration
Baba Gana Adam, the Permanent Secretary of HSES and Vice Chairman of the committee, commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its dedication to healthcare sector improvements. He also expressed appreciation to the FCTA for its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and addressing healthcare challenges in the FCT and beyond.
Dr. Kumshida Yakubu Balami, the FCT State Coordinator for the World Health Organization (WHO), explained that the programme is housed under the SWAp Secretariat in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
She noted that WHO’s guidelines require the establishment of a seven-member National Health Fellows Selection Committee, which the FCTA has fully implemented. This committee is responsible for overseeing the selection process, screening candidates, and submitting a semi-final list to the SWAp Coordinator’s office.
Meet the Committee Members
The newly inaugurated selection committee comprises:
- Dan Gadzama
- Teresa Nwachukwu (SWAp Desk Officer)
- Aderonke Akande
- Maimuna Abdullahi
- Danladi Chiya
A Milestone for Nigeria’s Healthcare Future
The inauguration of this committee marks a significant step in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system. By fostering a new generation of health professionals and leaders, the initiative aims to enhance healthcare delivery, improve health outcomes, and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.
