By Melody Okereke

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep flaws in Nigeria’s healthcare system: overwhelmed hospitals, strikes by healthcare workers, and inadequate public health infrastructure. Yet, amidst this crisis, young Nigerians stepped up. They mobilized resources, organized health outreaches, and leveraged social media to educate millions on preventive care. This remarkable effort underscored their potential as drivers of transformation. But how can young Nigerians redefine healthcare leadership to bring lasting change?
The Power of Youth in Leadership
Young people have historically been at the forefront of change in Nigeria, from the independence movement led by Herbert Macaulay and Nnamdi Azikiwe to the #EndSARS protests. However, healthcare leadership has seen limited youth involvement, with older policymakers dominating decision-making.
This gap is significant, as over 60% of Nigeria’s population is under 25. With fresh perspectives, technological expertise, and a firsthand understanding of their generation’s challenges, young Nigerians are uniquely positioned to lead a healthcare revolution.
The Intersection of Public Policy and Governance
Healthcare leadership is deeply tied to public policy and governance. Policies dictate healthcare funding, resource allocation, and public health priorities. Young Nigerians must actively engage in these processes to influence systemic change.
Take the National Health Act of 2014, which promised improved funding for primary healthcare centers (PHCs). Slow implementation has left many PHCs underfunded, unable to serve communities effectively. Youth-led accountability initiatives can ensure policies like these achieve their intended impact.
Leadership also involves execution. Beyond policymaking, young people must take on administrative roles in public health institutions, local governments, and grassroots organizations. These are the arenas where policies are transformed into action, and where meaningful healthcare reforms can take root.
Overcoming Barriers to Youth Leadership
Young Nigerians face significant obstacles in healthcare leadership, including limited mentorship, exclusion from decision-making, and systemic issues like corruption. Political appointments often prioritize visibility and party loyalty over competence, sidelining capable individuals.
To break these barriers, reforms are needed to prioritise meritocracy, transparency, and competence. Meanwhile, young leaders can draw inspiration from trailblazers like:
- Dr. Adaeze Oreh (Rivers State Commissioner for Health),
- Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam (Kwara State Commissioner for Health), and
- Dr. Oyebanji Filani (Ekiti State Commissioner for Health).
These leaders demonstrate that bold, innovative leadership can transform healthcare systems, even within Nigeria’s complex political landscape.
Actionable Steps for Young Nigerians
- Advocacy and Activism
Leverage town halls, social media, and community forums to demand better healthcare policies, increased funding for PHCs, and improved working conditions for healthcare workers. - Collaborative Solutions
Form cross-sectoral coalitions with professionals in public health, technology, and governance. For instance, tech innovators can partner with healthcare workers to design mobile health apps for remote consultations or health education. - Embrace Technology
Young innovators can spearhead projects like telemedicine platforms, remote diagnostics, and patient management systems to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery. - Grassroots Leadership
Start at the community level by organizing health campaigns, training programs, and outreach initiatives. These efforts build credibility and pave the way for larger leadership roles. - Engage in Governance
Seek positions in local health committees, professional associations, and political offices to influence healthcare decisions directly.
A Call to Action
The future of Nigeria’s healthcare system is not a distant goal—it begins now. Young Nigerians have the talent, tools, and numbers to lead this transformation. Leaders like Dr. Oreh, Dr. El-Imam, and Dr. Filani prove that young people can bring bold, impactful change when given the opportunity.
The nation’s healthcare sector awaits reform, and the call for leadership has never been louder. It is time for young Nigerians to rise, take the reins, and create a healthier, more equitable future.
The baton is yours. Lead the change.