Oyo Government Launches Health Insurance Scheme for Primary School Pupils

Ibadan, February 27, 2025 – The Oyo State Government has officially launched the enrollment of 10,000 public primary school pupils into its health insurance scheme, a move aimed at ensuring access to quality healthcare for schoolchildren across the state.

The flag-off ceremony, held at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, who presented insurance scheme ID cards to the beneficiaries drawn from 90 schools across 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Speaking at the event, Lawal emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that pupils receive quality education in a conducive environment while also prioritizing their health.

"This scheme will ensure that our children have sound minds while they learn in a conducive environment," he said.

The Deputy Governor commended the collaboration between the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) in making the initiative a reality. He urged OYSHIA to extend the scheme to all schools in the state and encouraged parents and guardians to enroll their children.

UNICEF, Health Experts Applaud Initiative

In her goodwill message, Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, praised the Oyo State Government for prioritizing children's health, noting that access to affordable and quality healthcare is a fundamental right.

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

She further highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating:

"Universal health coverage is not just a healthcare goal—it is 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."

According to Lafoucriere, the goal is to expand the program to all 33 LGAs, ensuring that no child is left behind. She reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to supporting the government in achieving universal health coverage.

Government Agencies Pledge Support for the Scheme

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, lauded OYSHIA and OYOSUBEB for their dedication to children's health, assuring them of her ministry’s full support.

The Executive Chairman of OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, also pledged the board’s commitment to the sustainability of the scheme.

"At OYOSUBEB, we operate on the principle of taking care of the pupils under our care as though they are ours," Adeniran said, adding that the scheme would enable pupils to access quality healthcare without financial strain.

More Enrollments to Follow

The Executive Secretary of OYSHIA, Dr. Olusola Akande, revealed that an additional 5,500 pupils would be enrolled in the scheme next week. He attributed the agency’s success to UNICEF’s support, which has helped expand the Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme coverage by 100%.

He also commended the OYOSUBEB Chairman’s leadership, stating that his open-door policy and unrestricted access ensured the smooth implementation of the initiative.

The event was attended by key stakeholders in the health and education sectors, including teachers, pupils, and community leaders.

Media Team

Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB)
Ibadan
February 27, 2025