The Executive Secretary of the Osun State Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA), Dr. Rasaq Akindele, unveiled the details of a groundbreaking health initiative aimed at improving the academic performance and well-being of students across Osun State on Tuesday.
The initiative, known as Imole School Eye Health, will provide free eye screenings, corrective glasses, medications, and surgical interventions for thousands of students in public primary and secondary schools across the state.
During a press conference held at the OSHIA Conference Room, Dr. Akindele explained that the program is born out of the realization that many students struggle academically not due to intellectual limitations but because of undiagnosed visual impairments.
Many children, he noted, are unable to see clearly what is written on the board or demonstrated by teachers, leading to poor academic performance. However, these visual challenges often go unnoticed by both students and their families.
“The concept of Imole School Health is to address the silent barrier of poor vision that affects the academic outcomes of our children. His Excellency, the compassionate governor of Osun State, Senator (Dr) Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, is deeply committed to the health and welfare of the people of Osun. He has directed us at OSHIA to provide a comprehensive eye check-up for every student in the state’s public schools, and we are determined to ensure that all 345,000 students in these schools receive the care they deserve,” Dr. Akindele stated.
The program, which will be conducted in collaboration with the Osun State Ministry of Education, will begin with teacher training on February 20, 2025. Following this, school-based screenings for visual acuity will take place from February 24 to 26, 2025. From February 27 to March 7, 2025, the program will offer refraction services, distribute corrective glasses, provide necessary medications, and perform surgeries for students in need.
Governor Adeleke, who has shown unwavering support for the initiative, will personally present glasses to deserving students during the course of the program. “Our children must see well, and Imole must prevail in Osun State,” Dr. Akindele emphasized.
The Executive Secretary called on parents and guardians to take full advantage of this unprecedented opportunity for their children. He also urged all personnel involved, including teachers, OSHIA staff, and medical professionals, to approach the project with a sense of duty to serve humanity.
Dr. Akindele further highlighted that Imole School Eye Health is just one of many public health interventions launched by Governor Adeleke. Last year, over 25,000 pensioners and 10,000 persons with disabilities were enrolled in the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), with many receiving life-supporting equipment such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, walking sticks, and other essential aids.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Akindele reiterated that Governor Adeleke’s administration is committed to improving the health and quality of life for all citizens in Osun State, ensuring that no one is left behind in achieving a healthier and brighter future.
