The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria is responsible for developing and implementing health policies.
It is led by two ministers: Muhammad Ali Pate, the Minister of Health, and Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health. They are supported by Ms. Daju Kachollom, the Permanent Secretary.
However, the ministry oversees different departments focusing on public health, family health, and pharmaceutical services, among others.
Its mission includes improving healthcare access, coordinating health research, and providing effective disease control across the country.
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Coordinating Ministers Of Health And Social Welfare In Nigeria
No | Name | Terms | Party | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ayotunde Rosiji | 1957 to 1959 | NCNC | First Minister of Health in Nigeria. |
2 | Waziri Ibrahim | 1959 to 1964 | NPC | Focused on health infrastructure. |
3 | Moses Majekodunmi | 1964 to 1966 | NPC | Promoted public health initiatives. |
4 | Joseph Adetoro | 1967 to 1971 | N/A | Oversaw health reforms post-civil war. |
5 | Josiah Okezie | 1971 to 1972 | N/A | Focused on maternal and child health. |
6 | Aminu Kano | 1972 to 1974 | N/A | Advocated for health education. |
7 | Gen. Emmanuel Abisoye | 1974 to 1979 | N/A | Managed health during military rule. |
8 | Daniel Ugwu | 1979 to 1983 | NPN | Emphasized preventive care strategies. |
9 | Vice Admiral Patrick Koshoni | 1984 to 1985 | NPN | Focused on military health services. |
10 | Emmanuel Nsan | 1985 to 1985 | NPN | Short tenure; dealt with health crises. |
11 | Olikoye Ransome-Kuti | 1985 to 1993 | NPN | Known for HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns. |
12 | Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi | 1993 to 1993 | SDP | Brief term during a political transition. |
13 | Dalhatu Tafida | 1993 to 1995 | SDP | Focused on healthcare access and equity. |
14 | Ihechukwu Madubuike | 1995 to 1997 | N/A | Worked on immunization programs. |
15 | Rear Admiral Jubril Ayinla | 1997 to 1998 | N/A | Managed health during the transitional government. |
16 | Timothy Menakaya | 1999 to 2001 | PDP | Promoted health sector reforms. |
17 | Alphonsus Nwosu | 2001 to 2003 | PDP | Focused on public health policies. |
18 | Eyitayo Lambo | 2003 to 2007 | PDP | Advocated for healthcare financing reforms. |
19 | Adenike Grange | 2007 to 2008 | PDP | First female minister in this role. |
20 | Babatunde Osotimehin | 2008 to 2010 | PDP | Focused on reproductive health issues. |
21 | Onyebuchi Chukwu | 2010 to 2014 | PDP | Emphasized healthcare delivery systems. |
22 | Haliru Al-Hassan | 2015 to2015 | APC | Brief tenure; focused on emergency responses. |
23 | Issac Adewole | 2015 to2019 | APC | Promoted agricultural health initiatives. |
24 | Osagie Ehanire | 2019 to2023 | APC | Addressed COVID-19 pandemic response efforts. |
25 | Muhammad Ali Pate | August2023 - Present | APC | The current minister; focuses on healthcare reforms. |
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Who Was The First Coordinating Minister Of Health And Social Welfare In Nigeria?
The first Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria was Chief Ayo Rosiji. He was a notable figure in Nigerian politics and served as the Minister for Health from August 30, 1957, to December 12, 1959.
Ayo Rosiji was born on February 24, 1917, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to a family with a background in law enforcement.
He had his early education at Christ Church Primary School in Abeokuta and later attended Ibadan Grammar School. He completed his secondary education at Government College in Ibadan.
Rosiji also studied civil engineering at Yaba Higher College. He then worked as an engineer at Shell Nigeria before going abroad to study law at the University of London.
Upon his return to Nigeria, he became one of the founding members of the Action Group, a political party that played a notable part in Nigeria’s early independence movement.
During his time as the Minister for Health, Ayo Rosiji improved healthcare services in Nigeria. He worked on different health initiatives to provide Nigerians had better access to medical care.
After serving in the health ministry, he also took on the role of Minister of Information, where he promoted government policies and communicated with the public.
Ayo Rosiji’s contributions to Nigerian politics and health have had a lasting impact. He passed away on July 31, 2000, at the age of 83.
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Who Was The First Female Coordinating Minister Of Health And Social Welfare In Nigeria?
Adenike Grange was the first female Minister of Health in Nigeria. She held this position from July 25, 2007, to March 26, 2008, during the presidency of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Grange is a well-respected paediatrics and professor. She dedicated her career to improving healthcare in Nigeria, especially for women and children.
Adenike Grange studied medicine at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. After finishing her studies, she worked in hospitals in Nigeria and the UK.
She was known for her work in paediatrics and held several positions, including being a consultant for many health organizations like WHO and UNICEF.
During her time as the Minister of Health, Grange aimed to reduce maternity deaths, control diseases like malaria, and improve healthcare for vulnerable groups.
She also talked about the need for better health systems in Nigeria, stating, “There is enough knowledge and tools to cure disease, but the systems to deliver these outcomes are often lacking.”
However, In early 2008, Grange was arrested for her involvement with 300 million naira of unspent funds from the health budget. She stated that she had been misadvised by her team.
Following this situation, she resigned from her position in March 2008. Although she faced legal troubles, a court later cleared her of all charges. After her resignation, Grange continued to work in healthcare.
She became the head of a major pediatric hospital, where she implemented programs to improve health services for children. She also founded the AdeGrange Child Foundation, an NGO promoting the well-being of mothers and children.
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Who Is The News Coordinating Minister Of Health And Social Welfare In Nigeria?
Muhammad Ali Pate is the new Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare in Nigeria. He took office on August 21, 2023, under President Bola Tinubu.
Born on September 6, 1968, in Misau, Bauchi State, Pate attended Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria and later studied at universities like the University of Rochester and Duke University in the USA.
His education includes degrees in medicine, health system management, and a master’s degree in business administration focused on health.
Pate’s career has spanned over a decade at the World Bank, having worked on health projects that improve healthcare systems in different regions.
However, Pate was the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency in Nigeria from 2008 to 2011.
He also served as the Minister of State for Health from 2011 to 2013. In addition to his work in Nigeria, Pate is a professor at Harvard University, teaching public health leadership. Pate is married and has six children.