igeria Health Watch Fellowship 2025 | Fully Funded Science-Policy Communication Fellowship for Nigerians

Nigeria Health Watch Fellowship 2025 – Fully Funded Fellowship in Science-Policy Communication

The Nigeria Health Watch Fellowship 2025 (NHW) is now open for applications! This fully funded fellowship program is an exclusive opportunity for early to mid-career Nigerians in public health, science, and policy-related fields to build essential communication skills at the intersection of research and policy advocacy. If you're passionate about translating scientific evidence into actionable policy, this fellowship is tailored for you.

Nigeria, and the African continent at large, face multifaceted health challenges that demand evidence-based solutions. However, one critical gap remains—the disconnect between groundbreaking research and the policies that should reflect them. That’s exactly what NHW Fellowship 2025 aims to change.

Designed to last three months, the program empowers fellows with strategic communication tools and real-world experience to advocate for policy shifts grounded in scientific data. This isn't just another training—it's a career-defining journey.

Key Information at a Glance

Host Country, Fellowship Category & Deadline

Host: Nigeria Health Watch
Fellowship Type: Science-Policy Communication
Eligible Country: Nigeria
Program Duration: 3 Months
Application Deadline: April 24, 2025
Language Requirements: No IELTS Required
Location Format: Hybrid (Online + In-Person)

Eligibility Scope and Target Audience

The program welcomes:

Young professionals and early to mid-career scientists
Health communicators and public health advocates
Academics and researchers passionate about evidence-based policy

If your background includes research, policy development, public health communication, or science outreach, you’re exactly who they’re looking for.

In-Depth Fellowship Details

What the NHW Fellowship 2025 Offers

This isn't your average fellowship—this is a launchpad into the world of science-policy advocacy. Here’s what participants can expect:

Training & Real-World Project Implementation

Fellows will undergo comprehensive orientation and training sessions conducted by experts in public health, science communication, media, and policymaking. The training culminates in a Capstone Project, where each fellow will implement a real-world health communication initiative that aligns with national health priorities.

Personalized Mentorship & Guidance

Each fellow is paired with experienced mentors who will provide continuous support throughout the program. These are not just instructors—they are career guides who’ll help you navigate the nuances of health communication.

Access to Alumni & Networking Opportunities

After completing the fellowship, you’ll be welcomed into a dynamic alumni network of like-minded public health professionals, researchers, and communicators. This network is an invaluable resource for collaboration, career advancement, and continuous learning.

Fellowship Structure and Timeline

Hybrid Format Explained

The NHW Fellowship blends virtual and in-person experiences. It begins with a virtual orientation, continues with structured training workshops, and wraps up with in-person project implementation and evaluation.

Duration and Project Phases

Month 1: Virtual Orientation + Theoretical Modules
Month 2: In-Person Training + Mentorship
Month 3: Capstone Project Execution + Presentation

This schedule is designed to ensure a well-rounded experience that integrates theory with practice, all while maintaining flexibility for working professionals.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Criteria

The NHW Fellowship is competitive—but if you meet these requirements, you have a strong chance:

Academic & Professional Background

Applicants should be early to mid-career professionals working in public health, health sciences, media, or policy sectors.
Researchers or academics aiming to influence public health policy using evidence-based research.

Relevant Experience and Motivation

Experience in advocacy, health communication, or policy development.
Strong interest in translating scientific data into actionable communication.
Demonstrated commitment to public health in Nigeria.

Applicants from all regions in Nigeria are encouraged to apply—diversity in representation is a key focus of this year’s cohort.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Opportunity

Unique Advantages of the NHW Fellowship

No IELTS or international certification barriers
Direct access to Nigeria’s top public health thinkers and policy influencers
Opportunity to work on actual health challenges impacting millions
A fully-funded experience with zero cost to fellows

Professional & Career Impact

Graduates of the NHW Fellowship have gone on to influence national health policies, spearhead public health campaigns, and take on leadership roles in NGOs, government agencies, and academia. Simply put, this fellowship opens doors—and you’ll walk through them with new skills, confidence, and connections.

How to Apply for Nigeria Health Watch Fellowship 2025

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the NHW Fellowship 2025 is simple, but it requires careful preparation. Here’s a breakdown of how to navigate the process:

Prepare Your Application Documents
- Statement of Interest: This should detail your motivation, relevant experience, and what you hope to achieve from the fellowship. Be authentic and focused—highlight your commitment to public health communication.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your CV should reflect your academic qualifications, professional experience, skills, and achievements related to health, research, or policy.
Visit the Official Application Portal
Applicants must access the NHW application page using the provided official link. Ensure you're on the legitimate Nigeria Health Watch website to avoid scams.
Fill Out the Online Form
Provide accurate personal and professional details. Double-check all fields before submitting. Any misinformation could disqualify your application.
Upload Required Documents
Ensure your statement of interest and CV are in PDF format. Avoid large file sizes, and make sure the documents are professionally formatted.
Submit Before the Deadline
The final deadline is April 24, 2025. Late applications will not be reviewed, so apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Required Documents for NHW Fellowship 2025

What You’ll Need to Submit

Before hitting "submit," make sure you have the following materials ready:

Statement of Interest
This is your personal pitch. Address the following in your letter:
- Why are you interested in the fellowship?
- What’s your experience in health, science, or policy?
- What change do you want to see in Nigeria’s public health communication?
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your CV should include:
- Full academic background
- Employment and volunteering history
- Any publications, workshops, or relevant training
- Certifications or honors (if applicable)

Tip: Tailor your CV and Statement of Interest specifically for this fellowship. Generalized applications tend to be overlooked.

Fellowship Objectives and What They Mean for You

Core Goals of the NHW Fellowship

The NHW Fellowship isn’t just about training—it’s a movement to create impactful science-policy communicators in Nigeria. Here are its key goals:

Bridge the Research-to-Policy Gap
The fellowship directly addresses the communication void between scientific research and public policy by building a skilled workforce capable of translating research findings into simple, effective messaging.
Develop Advocacy Champions
Fellows are trained to be strong advocates—able to craft compelling narratives that influence public opinion and guide health policies.
Build a Nationwide Network
NHW aims to cultivate a connected community of science-policy communicators who collaborate, share knowledge, and support each other’s growth.

As a fellow, you’ll be equipped not only with technical skills but also the soft skills needed to thrive in health leadership roles.

Selection Process for NHW Fellowship 2025

What Happens After You Apply

Once you’ve submitted your application, here’s what to expect:

Initial Screening
All applications are reviewed by a panel of experts. They assess your experience, clarity of purpose, and overall fit for the fellowship.
Shortlisting
Only top candidates will be shortlisted for interviews. Make sure your application stands out—clarity, relevance, and passion are key.
Interviews
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a virtual interview. This is your chance to expand on your application and showcase your communication abilities.
Final Selection & Notification
Final offers will be sent to successful candidates shortly after the interviews. All applicants will be notified, whether selected or not.

Selection Criteria

Relevance of professional background
Motivation and personal drive
Clarity in communication
Potential to impact public health policy

Fellowship Timeline and Program Format

Three-Month Program in a Hybrid Format

The NHW Fellowship is designed with flexibility and impact in mind. Here’s how it’s structured:

Month 1: Virtual Orientation
Fellows participate in online seminars, assignments, and community discussions that build foundational knowledge.
Month 2: In-Person Training
Selected fellows gather for intensive face-to-face workshops with trainers, policymakers, and communicators. It’s immersive, hands-on, and interactive.
Month 3: Capstone Project
Each fellow designs and executes a public health communication campaign/project, applying the skills they've learned to address a real-world issue.

Throughout the fellowship, participants receive: