The Oyo State Government has officially launched the enrollment of 10,000 primary school pupils into its healthcare insurance scheme, a major step towards ensuring access to quality healthcare for children in public schools.
The initiative, which covers pupils from 90 schools across 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), was formally unveiled on Thursday at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan. The Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, presented the Insurance Scheme ID cards to the beneficiaries, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to fostering a healthy learning environment.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor highlighted the administration’s dedication to the well-being of school children.
“This scheme will ensure that our children have sound minds while they learn in conducive environments,” he said.
He commended the collaboration between the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) in delivering healthcare opportunities to public school children. He also called on OYSHIA to extend the initiative to all schools across the state and urged parents and guardians to take advantage of the scheme.
In her goodwill message, the Chief of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, applauded the initiative, noting that it would provide affordable and quality healthcare to children, a fundamental right for all.
“This initiative reinforces our collective commitment to universal health coverage, ensuring that no child faces financial obstacles to accessing healthcare,” she said.
She further emphasized the necessity of universal health coverage, stating that ensuring children’s access to healthcare enables them to focus on education, grow into productive adults, break the cycle of poverty, and contribute to the prosperity of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
“With 90 schools already enrolled across 18 LGAs, our goal is to ensure all 33 LGAs in Oyo State are covered, leaving no child behind. UNICEF remains steadfast in supporting the government and communities towards universal health coverage,” she added.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, lauded OYSHIA and OYOSUBEB for their commitment to ensuring the well-being of basic school pupils. She reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s dedication to the program, pledging full support for its sustainability.
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, pledged the Board’s commitment to the smooth implementation of the scheme.
“At OYOSUBEB, we operate on the principle of taking care of the pupils under our care as though they are ours,” he said.
Dr. Adeniran noted that the scheme would enable beneficiaries to receive quality healthcare without incurring exorbitant costs.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of OYSHIA, Dr. Olusola Akande, described the launch as a significant milestone, noting that 10,000 pupils were enrolled in the first phase. He also announced plans to enroll an additional 5,500 pupils into the scheme starting next week.
Dr. Akande commended UNICEF for its support in expanding awareness campaigns and increasing the number of communities under the Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme by 100 percent. He also acknowledged the commitment of the OYOSUBEB Chairman, stating that his open-door policy and unwavering support ensured the timely implementation of the scheme.
The event was attended by key stakeholders in the health and education sectors, as well as the beneficiaries of the initiative.
