By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday graduated the maiden cohort of the National Health Fellows (NHF) and onboarded a new group of participants, reinforcing efforts to strengthen health leadership, governance, and system performance.
The ceremony, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, brought together stakeholders from federal and state health institutions, development partners, and healthcare professionals to mark the transition from Cohort 1.0 to Cohort 2.0 under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) framework.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described the NHF Programme as a visionary initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at equipping young professionals with governance experience. He likened the programme to the National Youth Service Corps, noting that it offers participants firsthand exposure to the complexities of public sector administration.
Abayomi said the initiative addresses critical challenges, including human resource shortages exacerbated by brain drain and the growing complexity of healthcare delivery. He emphasised the need for multidisciplinary expertise, strong data systems, and effective governance structures to achieve universal health coverage.
The commissioner commended the graduating fellows for their data-driven insights and impactful presentations, assuring that their recommendations would be reviewed and may be presented to the State Executive Council. He also noted that lessons from the first cohort would inform improvements in onboarding and orientation for the new intake.
He further highlighted the state’s commitment to increasing health insurance coverage, stressing the need to transition from out-of-pocket payments to insurance-based financing to improve access and quality of care.
In remarks delivered on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the National SWAp Coordinator, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, described the programme as a pipeline for future health leaders. He urged fellows to adopt practical, evidence-based approaches in addressing health system challenges.
Umar-Sadiq revealed that over 300,000 applications were received for the first cohort, underscoring the programme’s competitiveness and strategic importance. He also encouraged the new cohort to build on the achievements of their predecessors.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said the onboarding of Cohort 2.0 represents the deployment of a “reform engine” within the health system. She tasked the fellows with driving last-mile implementation, accountability, and improved service delivery, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, described the programme as a strategic investment in bridging the gap between policy formulation and implementation. She noted that fellows have already contributed to improved coordination, monitoring, and evidence-based planning in the sector.
The Lagos State Coordinator of the World Health Organization, Dr. Chinyere Okafor, commended the quality of participants, noting that their exposure to real-world challenges positions them to drive meaningful reforms in the health sector.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating cohort, Bamidele Oyewumi highlighted achievements including reaching over 5,000 beneficiaries through community-based interventions such as water projects and environmental health campaigns. He also identified key challenges, including workforce shortages, infrastructure deficits, weak community integration, and low health insurance uptake, while recommending reforms in digital health, governance, financing, and community engagement.
In her closing remarks, the Director of Healthcare Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Olajumoke Oyenuga, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their support and encouraged the new cohort to embrace innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
The event featured award presentations, with Dr. Oyeyemi Ogunjobi and Mrs. Sherifat Ibidunni Lawal recognised for their support, while top-performing fellows were also honoured. Mr. Olarinoye Sikiru Adeola emerged as Most Outstanding Fellow, Miss Afolabi Toyin Deborah as Most Innovative, and Miss Olumowo Kamilat Yewande for Best in Community Engagement.
The ceremony underscored Lagos State’s commitment to strengthening its health system through leadership development, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
