College Enrolls Entire Student Body In Health Competition Against Malaria

The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Ibadan, has enrolled its entire student body in the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), an initiative designed to raise malaria awareness and empower young people as health advocates.

The competition, organised by CEOAFRICA and sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, focuses on malaria prevention, education, advocacy, and community engagement, equipping students to become proactive ambassadors for public health.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the college,  Acting Provost Dr. Chidi Okpeze said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point health agenda and would strengthen students’ understanding of malaria and their role in tackling it.

“Participating in the Geneith Health Competition is a significant step towards empowering our students. This initiative will enhance their understanding of malaria and inspire them to contribute positively to the health of our nation,” Dr. Okpeze said.

The MD/CEO of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, described the GHC as a life-changing opportunity, revealing that Geneith Pharmaceuticals had committed ₦1 billion in sponsorship, including ₦420 million for scholarships and awards.

“Through the Geneith Health Competition, our goal is to see students and youths become ambassadors for a malaria-free Nigeria. With ₦1 billion in sponsorship from Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, which includes ₦420 million allocated for scholarships and cash awards, we are dedicated to student-focused initiatives,” he stated.

Highlighting the dire implications of malaria in Nigeria, Ilobanafor said, “Ninety-six per cent of diseases students complain about in school clinics are linked to malaria. By engaging youth as the vanguard in this initiative, we aim to change this narrative and empower them to create a healthier community.”

Supporting this vision, President of the Students Union Government (SUG) at FCAH&PT, Akanbi-Stone Adeola, described the initiative as a “life-changing opportunity” for students, affirming, “We are fully ready to take ownership of the fight against malaria. Our generation must be the one to finally end this disease.

The event featured distinguished guests, including the Chairperson of the Governing Council Board at the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Hajia Wosilat Giwa along with the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Tanko Ibrahim Ayuba, and  immediate past President of PSN and Co-chairman of the College of Assessors, Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh.

Since its launch in Abuja on May 2, 2025, by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the competition has gained support from key national stakeholders, including the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.

With registration closing on February 15, 2026, FCAH&PT’s participation sets a precedent for other institutions to join the movement.