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Tag: Oyo

  • Oyo, UNICEF launch health insurance for primary school pupils

    Oyo, UNICEF launch health insurance for primary school pupils

    The Oyo State government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a health insurance scheme aimed at enrolling 10,000 primary school pupils across 18 local government areas (LGAs) in the state.

    The initiative was unveiled on Thursday at the Ibadan Civic Center, Idi-Ape, where the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, presented Insurance scheme ID cards to students from 90 schools.

    The deputy governor emphasised that the enrollment reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of its children, enabling them to learn in supportive environments.

    “This scheme will ensure that our children have sound minds while they learn, praising the partnership between the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) for their efforts in providing healthcare opportunities for public school children.

    “This event represents a collective effort in securing a brighter future for Oyo State pupils,” Lawal added, urging OYSHIA to extend the scheme to all schools within the state and encouraging parents to participate.

    In her goodwill message, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, highlighted the fundamental right of every child to access affordable, quality healthcare.

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

    Lafoucriere stressed that universal health coverage is a healthcare goal and 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,” she added.

    She highlighted the scheme, which particularly aimed to support public primary school children, especially those in hard-to-reach areas. With the current enrollment covering 90 schools across 18 LGAs, UNICEF’s goal is to ensure that all 33 LGAs in the state are included, leaving no child behind.

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    In her remark, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, praised OYSHIA and OYOSUBEB for their dedication to improving the health of basic school pupils and assured them of her Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the scheme.

    In the same vein, the executive chairman of OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, expressed support for OYSHIA and pledged his board’s commitment to the successful implementation and sustainability of the program.

    “At OYOSUBEB, we operate on the principle of taking care of the pupils under our care as though they are ours,” he stated, highlighting that the scheme will allow beneficiaries to access quality healthcare without exorbitant costs.

    Earlier in his address, Executive Secretary of OYSHIA, Dr. Olusola Akande, noted that the initiative initially aimed to provide healthcare access to 10,000 public primary school pupils, with plans to enroll an additional 5,500 pupils starting next week.

    He acknowledged UNICEF’s support, which has enhanced awareness campaigns and doubled the communities covered under the Community-based Health Insurance scheme.

    Various stakeholders in the health and education sectors, including the pupils themselves, attended the event, affirming a collective commitment to improving healthcare access for children in the state.

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  • NELFUND: Top 5 States with Highest Student Loan Registrations

    NELFUND: Top 5 States with Highest Student Loan Registrations

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has provided valuable insights into the student loan registration process across the country.

    Below, we explore the top five states with the highest student loan registrations, offering a detailed overview of the factors contributing to their impressive numbers.

    1. Kano State

    • Number of Registered Students: 20,814
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 17,122
    • Percentage Applied: 82.3%

    Kano State tops the list with the highest number of student loan registrations. With over 20,000 students registered, the state has demonstrated a strong commitment to higher education, possibly driven by its large population and robust educational infrastructure. The high percentage of students who followed through with applications (82.3%) indicates effective awareness campaigns and support systems in place to assist students in accessing financial aid.

    2. Borno State

    • Number of Registered Students: 16,353
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 13,798
    • Percentage Applied: 84.4%

    Despite the challenges posed by insecurity, Borno State ranks second, with a commendable registration figure. The state’s educational authorities and institutions have clearly worked hard to ensure that students are aware of and utilize the opportunities provided by NELFUND. The fact that 84.4% of registered students proceeded to apply for loans is a testament to the state’s resilience and focus on education as a tool for empowerment.

    3. Benue State

    • Number of Registered Students: 16,127
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 11,754
    • Percentage Applied: 72.9%

    Benue State, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has also made significant strides in student loan registrations. The state’s education system appears well-organized, as reflected in the high registration numbers. However, the application follow-through rate is slightly lower at 72.9%, indicating a potential area for improvement in helping students complete the loan application process.

    4. Oyo State

    • Number of Registered Students: 14,086
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 8,990
    • Percentage Applied: 63.8%

    Oyo State, with its rich history in education, particularly higher education, secures the fourth position. The state’s capital, Ibadan, is home to Nigeria’s first university, and this legacy of academic excellence continues to influence student participation in programs like NELFUND. However, Oyo State has the lowest application percentage among the top five, at 63.8%, suggesting a need for more targeted efforts to ensure that registered students complete their applications.

    5. Kaduna State

    • Number of Registered Students: 13,873
    • Number of Students Who Applied After Registering: 10,380
    • Percentage Applied: 74.8%

    Kaduna State rounds out the top five, with nearly 14,000 students registering for the NELFUND student loan program. The state’s commitment to education is evident in its strong application rate of 74.8%. Kaduna has long been a hub for educational development in Northern Nigeria, and its performance in the NELFUND registration process reflects this tradition.