Public Health Internship in Nigeria

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Help shape change in Nigeria by driving health outreach, crafting impactful content, and contributing to program development

Immerse yourself in a mission-driven journey where innovation and compassion drive meaningful change in the public health sector. Since 2019, this passionate organization has been at the forefront of driving transformative solutions that promote well-being and sustainability. Rooted in action, their projects address critical local needs, promoting resilience and empowering lives.

As a Public Health intern you won’t just observe, you’ll actively contribute. This dynamic experience places you at the heart of public health work, offering hands-on opportunities to engage with local communities, collaborate with a dedicated team, and expand your skillset in real-world scenarios. 

Based in Abeokuta, Nigeria, this in-person internship invites you to connect directly with the people and programs making a difference. Alternatively, you can also join this organization remotely, or split your time on a hybrid model. It’s not just an internship; it’s a chance to grow professionally, leave a lasting mark, and be part of something truly transformative. If you’re ready to contribute to health initiatives in Nigeria, this public health opportunity awaits.

Learning Objectives

  • Develop skills in data compilation and crafting well-researched educational materials aligned with the organization’s programs
  • Gain experience in preparing detailed reports documenting project involvement and outcomes
  • Enhance content creation abilities by developing engaging materials for blog posts, newsletters, and social media platforms
  • Build expertise in community outreach and contribute to program development initiatives

ORGANIZATION

This NGO is committed to improving health and agricultural outcomes across Africa by promoting sustainable practices. Its initiatives focus on critical areas such as malaria prevention, adolescent health, and health education. The organization actively supports rural communities through outreach programs and awareness campaigns, aiming to create positive change. 

By partnering with government bodies, fellow NGOs, and community leaders, the organization works to maintain sustainable development across all areas. It emphasises empowering women and youth and is constantly seeking innovative ways to address challenges and create opportunities for growth, creating unique and tailored projects for interns.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Your specific tasks as a Public Health intern in Nigeria will vary based on the project’s needs and which initiative you’re most passionate about assisting. You could join research teams, contribute to community outreach programs, run social media campaigns, or support administrative and operational tasks, depending on your interests and skills.

Responsibilities

  • Aid in organizing and implementing community and health outreach initiatives
  • Compile detailed reports on project progress and outcomes
  • Assist in research related to specific projects and gather data to make informed decisions for future project development
  • Conduct presentations on public health topics
  • Create digital media content including blogs, social media posts, and newsletters

Check out this video of a past intern about the project she has been working on during her (remote) public health internship.

Requirements

  • Ideally, background in or currently pursuing a degree in Public Health or a related field
  • Passion for health outreach, education, and community engagement
  • Strong research and writing abilities in English
  • Teamwork and communication skills
  • Proficiency in creating content for various social media platforms.
  • Organizational and planning skills

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

The preferred accommodation for this internship is at the organization’s homestay which provides more of an authentic experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in local culture. This is a comfortable three-bedroom flat where other staff stay and it is a trekkable distance from the office. Get in touch to learn more about guesthouse or apartment accommodation options.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Be sure to schedule a doctor and dentist check-up before your internship and get any recommended vaccines or medications to maintain good health while abroad.

As a foreigner, you should always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you, keep your belongings close, and be extra vigilant at night. Ensure that your location is shared with someone you trust and that you respect local customs.

​There are certain parts of Nigeria you should avoid as there are increased risks of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs. You will be based in Abeokuta during your internship, located in Nigeria’s Ogun State. This is considered a safe place to visit, but it’s still important to take precautions. While most international travel advisories encourage avoiding non-essential travel to Nigeria, some areas, like Abeokuta, are considered low risk.

Communication

Communication

It is recommended to purchase a local SIM card from MTN network when you arrive. You can then purchase data bundles and hotspot to other devices whenever needed. While there is Wifi at the office for work purposes, the Wifi at the homestay is limited and you will need to top this up if you require it for downloading/streaming purposes.

Meals

Meals

Interns are provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily at the homestay. Traditional Nigerian meals will typically be served including: akara and pap, fried rice, white rice and stew, eba and egusi soup, or jollof rice. The homestay can cater to vegetarians, however vegans and those with serious allergies should consider opting for guesthouse or apartment accommodation to ensure dietary needs can be met. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions during the application process.

Location details

Location details

Abeokuta, located in the southwestern Ogun State of Nigeria, is known for Olumo Rock, a stunning landmark that offers great views of the city. The city has a rich culture with lively markets and traditional festivals. It’s a mix of history and modern life, making it a unique place to visit.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed during the application process. Internships longer than 16 weeks are possible, get in touch for rates. This internship is also available remotely if you’re interested in a hybrid model.

What you’ll pay (2025 rates)

4 weeks USD 2,101

8 weeks USD 3,260

10 weeks USD 3,839

12 weeks USD 4,418

16 weeks USD 5,576

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
  • Accommodation in a private room at a homestay. If you prefer to stay at a guesthouse or in a private apartment, please contact us for availability and prices.
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Daily project transport to the office from the homestay
  • 3 meals daily
  • Wifi access
  • Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
  • Onboarding with your supervisor
  • Regular check-ins
  • Support from the Roots team remotely
  • A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
  • A reference letter upon request

Exclusions

  • Flights to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Nigeria.

What can I expect from an internship in Nigeria?

You can expect to build meaningful connections with the local community while contributing to impactful public health initiatives. During your internship, you’ll have opportunities to work on a variety of projects, from raising awareness about malaria prevention to developing educational materials. To learn more about what to expect, check out our blog from a previous intern who traveled to Nigeria!

Can I get university credit for an internship in Nigeria?

Yes, it’s possible, but you’ll need to confirm with your academic supervisor or university that they approve this internship for credit. Additionally, you may have the option to purchase transfer credits to enhance your internship experience.

How can I prepare for an internship in Nigeria?

You can prepare by learning about Nigeria’s rich history and diverse culture while reflecting on your personal goals for the internship. We’re here to assist you with everything else, including placement logistics, matchmaking, check-ins, and advice on visas, insurance, and any other questions you may have. For more tips on preparing for your internship, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to NGO internships in Africa!

Will I receive a stipend during my Roots internship?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid so we’ve put together a few tips on how to fund your internship. There will be opportunities for professional and personal growth and you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable!

REVIEWS

During my remote public health internship, I had the chance to contribute meaningfully to interventions combatting malnutrition. Working closely on activities like developing SBCC materials, drafting grant proposals, and creating nutrition education content made the experience both impactful and rewarding. One particular accomplishment I’m proud of is developing educational nutrition materials to be distributed in local hospitals. I’ve gained experience in program design and stakeholder engagement, while personally, I’ve developed stronger time management and adaptability skills, learning to handle pressure and stay focused on the end goal. Roots was very attentive and helpful from the beginning to end.

Mackenzie, American – Mississippi University for Women

Public Health Internship, Remote

My remote internship was an eye-opening experience that reinformed the value of grassroots interventions developed by those who truly understand their communities' needs. I worked as a project coordinator for two different projects where I was repsonsible for writing to stakeholders and composing a project report. I also ran workshops for young women and received positive feedback. This experience has clarified my career path, steering me toward NGO project management, and highlighted the importance of planning and clear communication, especially in remote work settings.

Dora, British – University of Amsterdam

Public Health Internship, Remote

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
PROGRAM FOCUS: Community Development NGO
TASK FOCUS: Outreach, Program Implementation, Educational Material Creation
LENGTH: Min. 4 weeks
COST: From USD 2,101

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Develop research and fieldwork skills in the public health field
  • Gain hands-on experience in the educational aspects of NGO work
  • Learn about the ins-and-outs of running public health initiatives
  • Collaborate with passionate team members in the field
  • Experience the rich culture & stunning natural landscapes of Nigeria
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

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