POHER SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Empowering African Medical Students Through Research and Mentorship
About POHER Scholars
POHER is committed to supporting education locally and internationally. Since its inception, our program has supported 49 students across the African continent from Nigeria, Zambia, Cameroon, Malaysia, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan/Egypt, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Rwanda.
49
Total Students Supported
10
Total Countries Represented
10
Current 2025 Scholars
Our selection criteria include academic excellence, social responsibility, community involvement, financial need, and the personal impact that the award will have on the recipient's academic aspirations.
Program Overview
The POHER mentorship program is a comprehensive initiative designed to help mentees develop clinical research projects and advance their long-term career interests. We provide foundational knowledge in clinical research, good clinical practice guidelines, and opportunities for scholars to present their research progress to our expert mentor network.
Our program empowers scholars with essential skills for building professional networks, including membership in professional organizations and patient advocacy training. Scholars acknowledge POHER in their academic work and recognize their mentors as co-authors in publications.
Program Benefits
Program Benefits
Research Mentorship: Introduction to key principles in scientific research with personalized career guidance
Collaborative Learning: Work-in-progress meetings where scholars present research ideas to experts and peers
Conference Support: Guidance on research conference attendance, abstract development, and manuscript preparation
Professional Networks: Networking opportunities with peers and mentors across Africa for collaborative projects
Educational Opportunities: Access to online global health courses and career-related training
Leadership Development: Opportunities to help organize POHER's Annual Research and Mentorship Symposium
Advanced Training: Eligibility for the POHER-Mizzou global health research elective course
Please note: This program does NOT provide funding for medical school tuition.
Selection Criteria
Academic Status: Currently enrolled medical student in an African medical school (MD, MBBS, MBChB program or equivalent)
Research Interest: Demonstrated interest in research (prior experience not required)
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Commitment: Motivation to receive research and career mentorship
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Graduation Timeline: Graduation from medical school after January 2026
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Leadership Potential: Evidence of leadership capabilities and initiative
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Active Participation: Commitment to participate in all program activities, including virtual meetings and educational webinars
Program Contact Information
Email: pohersocialmedia@gmail.com
Next Application Cycle: Applications for 2026 will open in October 2025
For questions about the program, eligibility, or application process, please contact us at the email above.
Meet Our 2025 POHER Scholars
Chris Garang Bol Malek
North Africa Representative
Suez University
Egypt (South Sudan)
Esther Opio Anthony Yugu
North Africa Representative
Helwan University
Egypt (South Sudan)
Patricia Wanjiru Kamau
East Africa Representative
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Kenya
Derlyne Nyakara Omwoyo
East Africa Representative
Egerton University
Kenya
Frank-Awat Abaiweh
Central Africa Representative
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea
Cameroon
Shirley Sarah Dadson
West Africa Representative
University of Ghana Medical School
Ghana
Olayinka Ibukunoluwa Olatunbosun
West Africa Representative
University of Ilorin
Nigeria
Korede Oluwadamilare Adekanye
West Africa Representative
Bowen University
Nigeria
King Mwila
Southern Africa Representative
The Copperbelt University Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine
Zambia
Teddy Mukuka
Southern Africa Representative
The Copperbelt University Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine
Zambia
Our Alums Impact
Our POHER alums are leaders and emerging leaders in health, education, and research across the globe. They continue to make significant contributions through academic excellence, impactful research, and community engagement. As mentors, advocates, and innovators, POHER alums uphold our mission of advancing equitable healthcare and education, creating a powerful network of changemakers shaping the future of African healthcare.