FG offers scholarships to female medical students

The Federal Government has expressed support for a new initiative targeting improved women’s health outcomes with the launch of the Built for Her Foundation and the award of scholarships to 30 female medical students across Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Dr. Mayowa Alade, who represented the Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s ongoing health sector reforms.

She said, “The Federal Government is implementing the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative to strengthen the health system, with a strong focus on women’s health and the reduction of maternal and child mortality.”

Alade added that closing the gender health gap was critical to the success of broader health reforms, noting that “without intentional action for women, our broader health reforms cannot succeed.”

Founder of the Built for Her Foundation, Dr. Teniola Saraki, said the initiative was created to respond to long-standing gaps in women’s health and representation in the medical workforce.

She said, “Women spend about 25 per cent more of their lives in poor health compared to men, yet female representation in Nigeria’s physician workforce remains below 40 per cent.”

Saraki explained that the foundation decided to begin with medical students because of the impact early support could have on retention and performance.

She said, “This scholarship targets 400-level female medical students, a critical stage of training, and covers 30 beneficiaries selected across the six geopolitical zones in partnership with the Nigerian Medical Students’ Association.”

One of the beneficiaries, Hindat Abdulwahab, a 400-level medical student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said the scholarship came at a crucial time.

She said, “This support reminds me that I belong here and gives me the confidence to continue my medical training despite the challenges.”

Abdulwahab added that the scholarship had eased the financial pressure associated with medical education and strengthened her commitment to serving in the health sector.

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.