The 774 members of the National Health Fellows Cohort 1.0 have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to fulfil his promise of absorbing them into the Federal Civil Service, months after approval was reportedly granted.
The fellows, under the National Health Fellows Alumni Association of Nigeria, made the appeal in a letter dated October 29, 2026, addressed to the President through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
In the letter, the association’s Pioneer National President-elect, Joshua Amuofu, and General Secretary-elect, Alao Toheeb, called on Tinubu to intervene and ensure the completion of their employment process.
They recalled that presidential approval for their immediate absorption into the Federal Civil Service was communicated in June 2026. However, they said they were yet to receive appointment letters or formal employment offers.
The association explained that the prolonged delay had affected members financially and professionally, noting that some had resigned from previous jobs, rejected other opportunities and committed personal resources in anticipation of their appointments.
Expressing concern over the uncertainty, the fellows said the delay had gradually turned their initial optimism into disappointment.
They emphasised that their request was not for a fresh employment promise but for the implementation of an approval that had already been granted.
The group therefore urged the President to issue an executive order or another appropriate directive to relevant government agencies, including the Federal Civil Service Commission, to accelerate the process and facilitate the release of appointment letters.
The fellows also reaffirmed their readiness to contribute to Nigeria’s healthcare development, support their families and serve the country through the Federal Civil Service.
The National Health Fellowship Programme was launched by Tinubu on March 6, 2025, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. During the event, the President announced the automatic employment of the selected fellows, telling them, “You are hired.”
The participants were drawn from Nigeria’s 774 local government areas as part of the Federal Ministry of Health’s initiative to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, had disclosed that the fellows were selected from more than 360,000 applicants.
Source: PUNCH
