The Oyo State Government has officially launched the enrollment of 10,000 public primary school pupils into its health insurance scheme, reinforcing its commitment to child welfare and universal health coverage.
The initiative, covering pupils from 90 schools across 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), was formally unveiled on Thursday at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan. Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, presented the insurance scheme ID cards to the beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor emphasized that the scheme is part of the government’s efforts to ensure that pupils have sound minds and conducive learning environments.
“This scheme will guarantee that our children stay healthy while they learn, securing a brighter future for Oyo State,” 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 services to public school children. He also urged OYSHIA to expand the initiative to every school in the state, calling on parents and guardians to support the program.
In her goodwill message, the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, hailed the scheme as a milestone in ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for children.
“This initiative reinforces our collective commitment to universal health coverage, ensuring that no child faces financial barriers to healthcare,” she said.
“Universal health coverage is more than just a healthcare goal—it is a social and economic necessity. When children have access to healthcare, they can focus on their education, grow into productive adults, break the cycle of poverty, and contribute to the progress of Oyo State and Nigeria.”
Ms. Lafoucriere emphasized UNICEF’s continued support for the government and communities in achieving universal health coverage, noting that the initiative aims to eventually cover all 33 LGAs in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, applauded OYSHIA and OYOSUBEB for their dedication to ensuring the health and well-being of pupils. She pledged the Ministry’s full support for the scheme’s success.
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to the sustainability of the program.
“At OYOSUBEB, we prioritize the welfare of our pupils as if they were our own children,” he stated, adding that the scheme would ensure access to quality healthcare without financial strain on parents.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of OYSHIA, Dr. Olusola Akande, highlighted the scheme’s initial target of 10,000 pupils, with an additional 5,500 enrollments set to commence next week.
He expressed appreciation to UNICEF for its role in enhancing awareness and expanding the Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme by 100%. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the SUBEB Chairman, whose leadership helped ensure the program’s timely implementation.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders in the health and education sectors, as well as excited pupils who are set to benefit from the scheme.
