Breaking Campus Health Reform: Akwa Ibom Poly Moves to Fully Implement TISHIP-AKSHIA as Rector Assures Students of Seamless Enrollment

The Acting Rector of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Dr. Akanimo Jonah, has assured students and stakeholders of the institution’s full commitment to the smooth and comprehensive implementation of the Tertiary Institution Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) under the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme (AKSHIA), describing it as a strategic academic support policy critical to student success and institutional performance.

Dr. Jonah gave the assurance while receiving the AKSHIA enrollment and sensitization team during an official visit to the Polytechnic on Monday, January 20, 2026. He emphasized that student health has become a core pillar of modern higher education administration, directly linked to academic quality, retention, productivity and overall learning outcomes.

According to him, the Polytechnic’s mandate of producing technically skilled, innovative and socially responsible graduates can only be realized when students are physically and mentally fit to fully engage in lectures, research, practical sessions and examinations.

“An institution may boast of the best curriculum and facilities, but if students are unhealthy, academic outcomes will inevitably suffer. TISHIP-AKSHIA complements our academic mission by protecting student wellbeing and ensuring uninterrupted learning,” Dr. Jonah stated.

He further assured the AKSHIA team of Management’s readiness to integrate the scheme into the institution’s student support framework, pledging close collaboration to ensure effective enrollment, proper documentation and efficient service delivery.

Also speaking, the Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Unyime Udoudo, described access to affordable healthcare as a major determinant of academic stability. He noted that many students miss lectures, practicals and examinations due to untreated health challenges that could have been prevented or managed early through a structured insurance scheme.

“AKSHIA is more than a health programme; it is an academic stabilizer. Healthy students attend classes consistently, meet deadlines and participate actively in academic life,” he said, urging students to take enrollment seriously as part of their academic responsibility.

During a detailed presentation, AKSHIA Team Leader, Dr. Michael Aaron, alongside Mr. Alex Edo, explained that the scheme focuses on preventive healthcare, early diagnosis and access to quality treatment to minimize long-term academic disruptions caused by illness. He outlined services covered under the scheme, including outpatient care, basic laboratory services, maternal and child health for eligible dependents, and referrals to accredited hospitals.

“Health insurance is an investment in education. When students are shielded from unexpected medical bills, they can focus better on their studies and plan their academic journey with confidence,” Dr. Michael noted.

Welcoming the team, the Polytechnic’s AKSHIA Desk Officer, Mr. Ekerette Esu, described the visit as a timely academic intervention. He assured the team of the institution’s readiness to sustain continuous sensitization and monitoring to ensure students not only enroll but also understand how to access healthcare services when needed.

The SUG President, Comrade Wisdom Udoimuk, also highlighted the academic value of the scheme, describing it as a welfare policy that strengthens the campus learning environment by reducing health-related disruptions. He encouraged students to enroll promptly and make responsible use of the healthcare services provided under TISHIP-AKSHIA.

The sensitization exercise featured interactive sessions where students asked questions on coverage, hospital access and emergency services, all of which were addressed by the AKSHIA team.

The event was attended by the Acting Rector, Dr. Akanimo Jonah; Acting Registrar, Mr. Godswill Udofah; Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Mercy Ukpanah; Dean, Students Affairs, Dr. Unyime Udoudo; SUG executives, student parliamentarians, NIDSUG executives and other members of the Polytechnic community.