July 30, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
A total of 774 beneficiaries of the National Health Fellows Programme have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene over what they describe as a prolonged delay in their employment into the Federal Civil Service, despite an earlier presidential approval for their immediate absorption.
The fellows, drawn from all 774 local government areas across Nigeria, said they have remained unemployed more than 14 months after President Tinubu publicly declared, “You are hired,” during the official onboarding ceremony of the programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on March 6, 2025.
According to the fellows, many participants resigned from existing jobs, turned down alternative employment opportunities, relocated across the country, and committed their personal resources to implementing community health interventions with the expectation that they would be absorbed into the Federal Civil Service.
They disclosed that on June 25, 2026, they received an official communication informing them that President Tinubu had approved their immediate employment into the Federal Civil Service under the Presidential Programme on National Health Fellows. However, they said no appointment letters have been issued, and the approval has yet to be implemented.
In an open appeal to the President, the fellows expressed frustration over the delay, stating that many have exhausted their savings, lost career opportunities, and are facing financial and emotional hardship while waiting for the government’s promise to be fulfilled.
The group called on President Tinubu to personally intervene by ensuring that the relevant government agencies implement the approval without further delay and issue their appointment letters.
According to the fellows, fulfilling the promise would restore public confidence in government commitments, strengthen youth empowerment initiatives, and reinforce ongoing efforts to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Civil Service Commission, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had not publicly responded to the fellows’ latest appeal.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more official reactions emerge.
