By Emmanuel Afonne
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has approved four additional Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) for its students’ health insurance scheme.
The HMOs are Healthspring, Noor, Novo and Precious, approved for the 2026 second phase of the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP).
The development was announced on Wednesday in a statement issued by Mr Ambrose Gowong, Head, New Media, NOUN, after an emergency management committee meeting.
The meeting on TISHIP was held on Tuesday at the university’s headquarters in Abuja to review preparations for the programme’s second phase.
The approval brings to eight the number of HMOs appointed by the university to provide health insurance coverage to students nationwide.
The scheme, which commenced with the 2026 first phase in January, covers students across the six geo-political zones.
Prof. Shehu Usman Adamu, Chairman of the committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, said students’ welfare remained a priority of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma.
“The students will be enrolled through their respective study centres and issued health insurance cards to enable them access medical services,” Adamu said.
He said the cards would enable students to access services at designated healthcare facilities in their respective states of residence.
Adamu said the Directorate of Management Information System had been mandated to provide lists of students in each senatorial district.
He said students’ names, registration numbers, email addresses and telephone numbers would be collated and forwarded to designated HMOs and healthcare providers.
The DVC said the scheme would provide students access to a range of medical services at affordable rates.
He said the initiative was designed to promote students’ wellbeing while pursuing their academic programmes.
Adamu further disclosed that the university had received the list of selected hospitals to provide healthcare services under the scheme.
He said the list would form the basis for a Memorandum of Understanding between the university and participating healthcare facilities.
According to him, the agreement would clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the scheme.
Adamu urged the HMOs to ensure efficient and accessible health services for students in line with the university’s commitment to their welfare.
TISHIP is designed to provide health insurance coverage for NOUN students and enhance access to quality and affordable healthcare services nationwide. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma