Health Insurance Scheme: Oyo State Enrolls 10, 000 Pupils

The Oyo State government has officially flagged off the enrollment of 10,000 basic school pupils into the state’s health insurance scheme.

The children, enrolled from 90 schools across 18 LGAs were presented their Insurance scheme ID cards on Thursday at the Ibadan Civic center, Idi-ape, Ibadan, by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal.

The Deputy Governor said the enrolment was part of the Oyo state government’s effort towards ensuring its pupils are of sound mind.

He said, “This scheme will ensure that our children have sound minds, while they learn in conducive environments”

He applauded the partnership and collaboration between the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, OYSHIA and the Oyo state Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, in providing healthcare opportunities to public school children in the state.

“This event is a collective effort in securing a brighter future of Oyo State pupils,” he said.

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The Deputy Governor also charged OYSHIA to double its efforts in extending the health insurance scheme to every school in the State, urging parents and guardians to key into it.

In her goodwill message, the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, noted that the launch of the Oyo State Public Primary School Pupils Health Insurance Scheme, would give access to affordable, quality healthcare; a fundamental right for every child.

“This initiative reinforces our collective commitment to universal health coverage, ensuring that no child faces financial obstacles to accessing healthcare”, she said.

“Universal health coverage is more than a healthcare goal—it’s a social and economic necessity. When children have access to healthcare, they can focus on education, grow into productive adults, break the cycle of poverty, and contribute to the success of Oyo State and Nigeria.”

“This scheme exemplifies this by focusing on public primary school children, especially in hard-to-reach areas. 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 toward universal health coverage.”

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi applauded OYSHIA and OYOSUBEB for their commitment towards healthy basic school pupils.

She assured the agencies of her Ministry’s unparalleled commitment to the scheme.

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Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran applauded OYSHIA, pledging the Board’s commitment to the smooth take-off and sustainability of the scheme.

Adeniran said, “At OYOSUBEB, we operate on the principle of taking care of the pupils under our care as though they are ours”.

Dr. Adeniran added that the scheme would enable the beneficiaries to receive quality healthcare without paying exorbitantly to access it.