Nigeria is taking a bold step toward empowering women and strengthening its healthcare system through a new partnership with the Merck Foundation.
At a high-level meeting in Abuja, the Foundation appointed Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as Ambassador of the “More Than a Mother” campaign, reinforcing the country’s fight against infertility stigma and its push for girl education.
Building Healthcare Capacity Through Scholarships
Led by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation BOT, and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, the delegation underscored their commitment to advancing healthcare training in Nigeria.
To date, 63 scholarships have been awarded to Nigerian doctors in 42 critical and underserved specialties, including reproductive medicine, diabetes, cardiology, and oncology.
These programs are designed not only to enhance medical expertise but also to establish specialized clinics across the country.
Doctors trained under these scholarships will play important roles in tackling chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes within their own communities.
Commitment from Nigeria’s First Lady
During the meeting, Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised the initiatives, highlighting their impact on both education and healthcare.
“I am fully committed to scaling up all their programs to benefit our people,”
she emphasized, noting how the partnership will directly strengthen local health systems while addressing social issues like infertility stigma.
Healthcare Scholarships Breakdown
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8 scholarships: Fertility, Embryology, Women’s Health.
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38 scholarships: Diabetes, Cardiology, Endocrinology.
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17 scholarships: Oncology, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Critical Care.
Supporting Girl Education in Nigeria
In addition to healthcare initiatives, Merck Foundation’s Educating Linda program is helping close the gender gap in education. Twenty high-performing but underprivileged Nigerian schoolgirls have already received scholarships to continue their studies.
This investment in education reflects a wider regional strategy: empowering women through knowledge and skills, ensuring long-term social transformation across West Africa.
Engaging Media and Cultural Voices
Merck Foundation has recognized the importance of media and cultural figures in shifting public perceptions.
Through three editions of Online Health Media Training, Nigerian journalists have been equipped to report on sensitive issues such as child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), gender-based violence (GBV), and infertility stigma.
At the same time, the Foundation has launched eight new award categories for media professionals, musicians, filmmakers, and fashion designers.
These competitions encourage young talents to raise awareness about infertility stigma, women empowerment, and lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Active Awards in Nigeria (2025):
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Media Recognition Awards on “More Than a Mother” & “Diabetes & Hypertension.”
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Fashion, Film, and Song Awards addressing stigma and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Cultural Shift for Long-Term Impact
According to Dr. Rasha Kelej, these initiatives go beyond healthcare:
“We are creating a cultural shift by addressing infertility stigma and empowering girls through education.”
The approach integrates medical training with social advocacy, ensuring long-term resilience in Nigerian communities.
A particular emphasis is placed on raising awareness of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, both of which are growing challenges across Africa. By linking education, healthcare, and culture, the Merck Foundation seeks to address these issues holistically.
A Final Reflection
The partnership between the Merck Foundation and Nigeria’s First Lady sets a clear path for transformation in both social and health sectors.
With scholarships, education programs, and awareness campaigns, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in advancing women’s empowerment and community-based healthcare solutions.
For thousands of young Nigerians, this effort represents hope: hope for education, for better healthcare access, and for a society free of stigma.
Sources: Merck Foundation.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
