By Moses John
The National President of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Comrade (Dr) Kabiru Ado Sani, has urged young health workers to take greater responsibility for strengthening the union and advancing the cause of decent work in Nigeria’s health sector.
Sani made the call in Abuja on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while speaking at the 2026 International Youth Day celebration organised by MHWUN in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), at the MHWUN Auditorium, Ayuba Wabba House, Durumi.
The celebration was held under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” which highlights the shared aspirations of young people despite differences in their social, economic, cultural and geographical circumstances.
The MHWUN president said the theme was particularly relevant to young health workers in Nigeria, who operate in diverse environments ranging from major cities and teaching hospitals to remote primary healthcare centres.
According to him, despite differences in working conditions and access to equipment, young health workers across the country share common aspirations for dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, decent work, quality education and a sustainable future.
He noted that International Youth Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of young people to the union, health sector and the wider Nigerian society.
Sani disclosed that MHWUN had continued to prioritise youth participation in local, national and international programmes designed to expose young members to global best practices and prepare them for leadership.
He listed the Public Services International (PSI) Young Workers Virtual Training, West African Health Sector Unions Network (WAHSUN) meetings, MHWUN National Executive Council meetings, NLC conferences, workshops and National Labour Schools, as well as programmes of the MHWUN Tertiary Health Institutions National Consultative Forum and zonal workshops, among the initiatives providing such opportunities.
He, however, challenged young members to reciprocate the union’s investment in their development by making positive contributions in their branches and state councils.
“Union strength lies in its membership and membership drive is not left for the leadership, but a collective responsibility,” he said, urging young workers to actively participate in organising members at their branches and units.
Sani further emphasised the importance of youth retention in the public health system, describing the continued presence and participation of young skilled health workers as a direct investment in the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
He said young workers should not be regarded merely as leaders of tomorrow, stressing that they are already important partners in building the union and improving the health sector.
The MHWUN president also called on experienced union members to establish stronger mentorship structures to ensure that institutional knowledge and lessons from decades of labour struggles are transferred to younger generations.
He commended the National Youth Committee of the union for its commitment to the ideals of MHWUN and encouraged young members to serve as ambassadors of solidarity, discipline and progress in their workplaces.
Sani also reaffirmed the commitment of his administration, in line with the vision of the union’s global President, Comrade (Dr) Ayuba P. Wabba, mni, to consolidate gains made in youth mainstreaming and create sustainable opportunities for young members.
He assured the youth that the union would continue to promote their participation in decision-making at various levels, including the zonal level and National Executive Council.
According to him, issues affecting young health workers, particularly remuneration, working conditions and professional development, would remain part of the union’s collective bargaining priorities.
He urged participants at the celebration to use the occasion to generate fresh ideas and renew their commitment to the labour movement.
Sani concluded by stressing that although young workers may operate in different contexts, their aspirations as workers, unionists and Nigerians remain fundamentally common.
He wished the participants successful deliberations and called for continued solidarity within MHWUN, the NLC and the broader national and international labour movement.
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