The Oyo State government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a health insurance scheme targeting 10,000 primary school pupils across 18 local government areas.
Unveiled at the Ibadan Civic Center, Idi-Ape, on Thursday, the initiative aims to boost healthcare access for students in 90 schools, with Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal presenting ID cards to beneficiaries.
Lawal emphasized the scheme’s role in promoting children’s well-being and enhancing their learning environments. “This initiative ensures that our children maintain sound minds while they learn,” he said, urging the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) to expand the program to all schools statewide.
UNICEF Lagos Field Office Chief, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, stressed the scheme’s alignment with universal health coverage goals, highlighting its potential to break the cycle of poverty by enabling children to focus on education.
With an initial focus on hard-to-reach areas, the program aims to extend coverage to all 33 LGAs in Oyo State. The initiative, supported by the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), plans to add 5,500 more pupils next week, according to OYSHIA Executive Secretary Dr. Olusola Akande.
The scheme underscores a broad commitment from state and international stakeholders to improve healthcare access and build a healthier future for Oyo’s children.
