Development Governance International (DGI) Consult has recently launched a 12-month Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) Leadership Fellowship. The program aims to equip health professionals with practical leadership and problem-solving skills to address health governance and management challenges in Adamawa, Kwara, and Sokoto States. This initiative is part of the Enhancing Leadership, Governance and Management Capacities (ELGMC) Project.
The fellowship is a component of the four-year Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health in Nigeria (SARAH) project. The SARAH project is funded by the European Union (EU) and jointly implemented by UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The program seeks to nurture a new generation of leaders with enhanced personal effectiveness, an expanded sphere of influence, and strong problem-solving abilities.
Speaking at the orientation session, Dr. Gafar Alawode, Chief Executive Officer of DGI Consult, emphasized that the fellowship is designed to move beyond conventional leadership training. The program supports participants in identifying and tackling real RMNCAH+N and health program challenges within their institutions and states. Dr. Alawode urged the fellows to take ownership of the challenges they have identified and remain committed to developing and implementing practical solutions.
The RMNCAH+N leadership fellowship is a practical leadership development program that will run for 12 months. During this period, participants will engage in structured learning sessions, self-directed learning and reflection, practical problem-solving, peer learning, and handholding support. They are expected to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to develop and implement actions aimed at addressing specific health challenges identified within their respective institutions or states.
The fellowship brings together participants from state ministries of health, state Primary Health Care (PHCs) boards, hospital service management boards, academia, professional groups, and other relevant institutions across the three states. This initiative will create opportunities for cross-state learning, collaboration, and exchange of experiences among participants. Dr. Alawode stressed that active participation and ownership would be critical to the success of the program.
To ensure the program's success, Dr. Alawode urged fellows to attend sessions consistently, complete assigned tasks within agreed timelines, engage their supervisors, and contribute to peer learning and knowledge sharing. The program aims to strengthen leadership competencies while working on real RMNCAH+N challenges in their respective states. Through this fellowship, DGI Consult seeks to create a platform for continuous learning, collaboration, practical problem-solving, and leadership development.
The RMNCAH+N Leadership Fellowship is expected to have a positive impact on the health sector in Adamawa, Kwara, and Sokoto States. By equipping health professionals with practical leadership and problem-solving skills, the program will enable them to address health governance and management challenges effectively. The program's success will be measured by the fellows' ability to develop and implement practical solutions to specific health challenges within their institutions or states.
Key points
- The fellowship is a 12-month program that will equip health professionals with practical leadership and problem-solving skills.
- The program is part of the four-year Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health in Nigeria (SARAH) project.
- The fellowship brings together participants from various institutions across Adamawa, Kwara, and Sokoto States.
