Public health workers in Nigeria can now apply for a fully funded leadership program by the University of Washington, with support from the Gates Foundation.
 |
A Big Opportunity for Public Health Workers in Nigeria
A new fully funded opportunity is now open for public health professionals working with government health agencies in Africa. The International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL) is offering an eight-month training program for 2026. It is designed to help public health workers in Africa build stronger leadership, policy-making, and implementation skills all at no cost.
This program is hosted by the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington, USA, and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
What Makes This Program Special?
The training is not just online. It combines both virtual learning and physical meetings. You will have two in-person training sessions in Africa, where you’ll meet other professionals and experts from across the continent. Everything including travel, visa, tuition, and accommodation is fully covered.
This is not a degree program, but at the end, you’ll receive a certificate and become part of a professional network of leaders from all over Africa.
Key Information About the Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | February to September 2026 |
| Format | Online and in-person |
| Location | Africa (for physical sessions) |
| Funding | Fully funded (no hidden fees) |
| Focus | Leadership, policy, and implementation |
| Certificate | Yes (non-degree executive training) |
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
This opportunity is only for mid-career professionals working in African countries. You must be working full-time with a government health institution like a Ministry of Health (federal, state, or regional).
To apply, you must:
- Be from any African country (including Nigeria)
- Be working in or with a government health agency
- Manage teams or public health projects
- Hold a degree in medicine, public health, or a related course
- Speak and understand English very well
- Not be a full-time PhD student or working for an international NGO
What You Will Do During the Program
The training is carefully arranged into different parts:
1. Orientation (February 10–12, 2026)
Online welcome sessions where you meet other participants and understand how the program works.
2. Policy Prep (March)
Self-paced online classes to help you understand policy basics.
3. Policy Intensive (April–May)
Fourteen live online sessions with real assignments you submit each week.
4. Leadership Immersion (June)
An in-person training session in Africa. You’ll learn from experts, work with your peers, and attend group coaching.
5. Launch & Learn (July–August)
This part helps you implement a real policy idea in your workplace, with online support.
6. Capstone Seminar (September)
Final physical meeting in Africa where you present your project and share lessons.
Throughout the program, you’ll also work on a real-life policy project, supported by your coach and advisors.
What You Will Gain
By the end of the program, you will:
Receive a certificate of completionImprove your leadership and policy-making skills
Connect with other public health professionals across Africa
Get support from global experts and coaches
More than 190 people from 33 African countries have already benefited from this program.
What You Need to Apply
Make sure you have the following ready:
Completed online application for
Three short essays:
- Your experience as a leader
- A public health policy problem you want to solve
- Your goals for the future
A signed letter from your supervisor saying you will be released to join the program
A letter of recommendation from your employerDeadline to apply is 5 August 2025, by 11:59 PM GMT
Why It Matters for Nigeria
Many health systems in Nigeria face policy and leadership gaps. This program gives public health workers a chance to learn real skills that can help improve decision-making, program design, and service delivery in our communities. With this kind of training, more Nigerian professionals can come back to build better systems and save more lives especially in rural and underserved areas.
How to Apply
You can apply directly on the University of Washington's official website:
For questions, email: ipphl@uw.edu
Source: University of Washington Evans School and Opportunities for Youth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Mid-career public health professionals from African countries who are currently working in government, NGOs, or health organizations and have at least 5 years of experience in public health leadership.
2. Is the program fully funded?
Yes. The program covers tuition, travel, accommodation, and meals throughout the training period.
3. Where will the training take place?
The program is hosted by the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, with both virtual sessions and an in-person residency in Seattle, USA.
4. What is the duration of the program?
The IPPHL runs for 4 months, including virtual learning and a short residency in the United States.
5. What are the application requirements?
- CV or resume
- Recommendation letters
- Written statement of leadership experience
- Proof of current employment in a public health-related role
- Strong English communication skills
6. Do I need to write any exams or tests?
No entrance exams are required. Selection is based on your experience, leadership potential, and strength of your application.
7. What is the deadline for application?
The deadline changes each year. For the 2026 cycle, check the official application page for updated timelines.
8. Is there an age limit?
There is no strict age limit, but most selected fellows are early to mid-career professionals aged between 30 and 45 years.
9. Will I get a certificate?
Yes. Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate in Public Health Leadership from the University of Washington.
10. Where can I apply?
You can apply through the official link: https://ipphl.evans.uw.edu/apply/
If you are a public health professional in Africa with leadership experience, this is your chance to grow, connect, and make more impact. The International Program in Public Health Leadership (IPPHL) offers full support to help you build the skills needed to lead health systems across the continent.