Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan in Oyo State has launched the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), a nationwide initiative aimed at empowering young people as ambassadors in the fight against malaria.
Speaking during the flag-off yesterday in Ibadan, the provost of the college, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Ganiyu, expressed appreciation to the organisers for choosing the institution as the pioneer host for the campaign.
“Malaria is a killer disease, and anything that supports its eradication is welcome at this time. One of President Bola Tinubu‘s eight-point agenda is to reinvigorate the healthcare system for the benefit of all, and this initiative keys directly into that vision. Our students are ready to take up the challenge, and I believe we will not only participate but also excel in this competition,” he stated.
Ganiyu further emphasised the significance of malaria as a health challenge at the college, revealing that approximately 90 per cent of students seeking medical attention at the school clinic report symptoms related to malaria.
He announced that the college would procure 1,000 pieces of malaria drugs to ensure students remain healthy and ready to take part in the competition.
The managing director/CEO of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, who is also the initiator of GHC, stressed the importance of the competition.
“Malaria is Nigerias deadliest enemy, causing significant economic deprivation and loss of lives. Through the Geneith Health Competition, our goal is to see students become ambassadors for a malaria-free Nigeria.
“This initiative not only offers a structured competition with a ₦1 billion commitment from Geneith Pharmaceuticals—₦400 million in cash prizes and ₦600 million in scholarships and incentives— it is a movement which also aims to mobilise students to take ownership of their health and environments,“ he said.
Ilobanafor stressed the need for proactive engagement, stating that prevention is the key to combating malaria.
“If we have ambassadors of malaria who are actively involved in cleaning up their environments, we can significantly reduce the burden of this disease,“ he asserted.
Supporting this vision, President of the Students Union Government (SUG) at the College, Comrade Emmanuel Aluko, described the initiative as a „life-changing opportunity“ for students. „We are fully ready to take ownership of the fight against malaria. Our generation must be the one to finally end this disease,“ he declared.
National President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Comrade Oyewumi Ayomide, echoed this sentiment, urging all Nigerian students to participate in the GHC. „Registration is not just about competing; it comes with education and access to treatment. Together, we can create a malaria-free generation,“ he encouraged.
Head of the College Clinic, Mrs. Sulaimon Rofiat Ambimbola, lauded the project for aligning health awareness with practical solutions, stating, „Sanitation, prevention, and awareness are key. If students are healthy, their education thrives. That is why we strongly align with this initiative.“
The event was held under the chairmanship of the Chairperson of the Governing Council Board at the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Hajia Wosilat Giwa, and featured notable figures such as the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Tanko Ibrahim Ayuba,
and Immediate Past President of PSN and co-chairman of the College of Assessors, Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh,
along with commissioners of education and health from various states.
The collective effort emphasised the commitment to raising awareness and empowering the youth in the fight against malaria, with educational institutions actively keying into this initiative.
The Geneith Health Competition is set to reach students at multiple levels, offering prizes worth over ₦1 billion, including cash awards and various giveaways. Registration for the competition began on June 1, 2025, and will continue until February 15, 2026. Students are encouraged to participate in this transformative initiative aimed at making malaria a thing of the past by visiting the website.
