The 774 beneficiaries of the National Health Fellows Programme are still waiting for formal appointment into the Federal Civil Service, despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for their absorption into government service.

According to Sahara Reporters, the fellows, drawn from Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, say they have neither received appointment letters nor been given clear details on when their transition into the civil service will take effect.

Tinubu had announced during the inauguration of the first cohort in Abuja on March 6, 2025, that the beneficiaries would be employed. Some participants said they subsequently left existing jobs, turned down other opportunities or spent personal funds while carrying out their assignments under the programme.

The employment process received further backing in June 2026, when the Presidency communicated an approval for the fellows’ immediate absorption into the Federal Civil Service. The directive was conveyed to 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.

The fellows were subsequently informed that the relevant government institutions would communicate the modalities for their transition. However, they say months after the notification, they are yet to receive appointment letters or formally commence their civil service employment.

In an appeal to the President, the beneficiaries said the delay had created financial and career uncertainty for many of them. They called for presidential intervention to ensure that the necessary administrative procedures are concluded and appointment letters issued.

The fellows also urged the President to consider an Executive Order or another appropriate directive to facilitate implementation of the earlier approval, while reaffirming their willingness to continue contributing to Nigeria’s healthcare system.