The National Open University of Nigeria has commenced the implementation of the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme for students across the country, in a move aimed at expanding access to affordable healthcare.
The university announced the development during an emergency meeting of its management committee on the implementation of TISHIP held at its headquarters in Abuja.
At the meeting, four additional Health Maintenance Organisations were unveiled to participate in the scheme.
The HMOs are Healthspring, Noor, Novo and Precious, bringing the total number of HMOs appointed by the university to eight.
The scheme began with students enrolled in the 2026_1 academic programme in January and is structured to provide healthcare coverage based on students’ respective geographical locations.
Chairman of the TISHIP Management Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Shehu Adamu, said the initiative reflected the university’s commitment to student welfare.
Adamu, who said the welfare of students remained a priority of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, explained that students would be enrolled through their respective study centres.
Each enrolled student is expected to receive a health insurance card, which will be used to access medical services at designated healthcare facilities.
According to the university, participating students will be able to receive healthcare services at approved facilities located in the states where they reside.
The Directorate of Management Information System has been directed to compile students’ details to support the enrolment process.
The information to be collated includes students’ names, registration numbers, email addresses and telephone numbers. The data will subsequently be forwarded to the designated HMOs and healthcare providers serving the various senatorial districts.
The university has also received a list of hospitals selected to provide medical services under the programme.
Adamu said the selected facilities would enter into formal agreements with the university, with the proposed Memoranda of Understanding expected to spell out the responsibilities of the university, HMOs and healthcare providers.
He said the arrangement was intended to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for students while they pursue their academic programmes.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor also urged participating HMOs to ensure that students receive efficient and timely healthcare services in line with the university’s student welfare objectives.
With NOUN students spread across the country because of the institution’s open and distance learning structure, the nationwide arrangement is expected to allow beneficiaries to access approved healthcare facilities within their respective locations rather than depend on services at a single university campus.
