The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched a health insurance initiative aimed at providing essential healthcare coverage for primary school pupils across the state.
The program, which targets the enrollment of 10,000 pupils from 90 schools across 18 local government areas, seeks to improve children’s overall health and well-being by ensuring access to quality medical services.
At the official launch held at the Ibadan Civic Center, Idi-Ape, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, presented insurance scheme ID cards to the enrolled pupils. He emphasized that the initiative is part of the state government’s commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment where children can thrive academically and physically.
“This scheme will ensure that our children have sound minds while learning in the best possible conditions,” Lawal stated. He commended the collaboration between the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) in making healthcare accessible to public school children.
He further urged OYSHIA to expand the scheme to all schools across the state and encouraged parents to take advantage of the opportunity.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of the Lagos Field Office, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to universal health coverage. She described the scheme as a crucial step toward ensuring that no child is denied healthcare due to financial constraints.
“Universal health coverage is not just a healthcare goal; it is a social and economic necessity,” Lafoucriere said. “When children have access to healthcare, they can focus on their education, grow into productive adults, and contribute to the prosperity of Oyo State and Nigeria. With 90 schools already enrolled, our goal is to ensure that all 33 local government areas in Oyo State benefit from this initiative.”
Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, commended OYSHIA and OYOSUBEB for their dedication to improving the health of schoolchildren and assured them of her ministry’s full support.
Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Executive Chairman of OYOSUBEB, also lauded the initiative, pledging the Board’s commitment to ensuring its smooth implementation and sustainability.
“At OYOSUBEB, we treat the children under our care as our own, and this scheme guarantees that they receive quality healthcare without financial burdens,” Adeniran noted.
OYSHIA’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Olusola Akande, described the launch as a significant milestone in expanding healthcare access for public primary school pupils. He announced that the agency would begin enrolling an additional 5,500 pupils into the scheme in the coming week.
Akande also praised UNICEF for its support in raising awareness and expanding the Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme, which has doubled its reach in local communities.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders in the health and education sectors, as well as excited pupils who stand to benefit from the program.
