In a bid to combat malaria among students, the Federal Cooperative College in Ibadan has officially launched the Geneith Health Competition, a nationwide initiative aimed at empowering young people to become ambassadors in the fight against the disease.
The flag-off ceremony, held on August 25, 2025, was attended by prominent stakeholders in the health sector.
Since its launch on May 2 in Abuja by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by Dr. Godwin Ntadom, the Director of Public Health, the Geneith Health Competition has garnered widespread support from numerous stakeholders.
The event was held under the chairmanship of Hajia Wosilat Giwa, the Chairperson of the Governing Council Board at the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, and featured notable figures such as Pharm. Tanko Ibrahim Ayuba, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), and Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh, Immediate Past President of PSN and co-chairman of the College of Assessors, along with commissioners of education and health from various states. This 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.
Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Ganiyu, Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, expressed his deep appreciation to the organisers for choosing the institution as the pioneer host for the campaign.
The Battle Against Malaria
Malaria is a significant health challenge in Nigeria, with the Federal Cooperative College being no exception. Approximately 90% of students seeking medical attention at the school clinic report symptoms related to malaria. To address this issue, the college has procured 1,000 pieces of malaria drugs to ensure students remain healthy and ready to participate in the competition.
“Malaria is a killer disease, and anything that supports its eradication is welcome at this time. One of President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agendas 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.
A Life-Changing Opportunity
The Geneith Health Competition offers a unique opportunity for students to take ownership of their health and environments. With prizes worth over ₦1 billion, including cash awards and scholarships, students are motivated to excel while spreading vital knowledge about malaria prevention and awareness.
Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, MD/CEO of CEOAFRICA, the initiator of GHC, led the delegation and remarked on the importance of the competition. Malaria is Nigeria’s 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.
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, Comrade Emmanuel Aluko, President of the Students Union Government (SUG) at the Federal Cooperative College, 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.
Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, National President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), 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.
Mrs. Sulaimon Rofiat Ambimbola, Head of the College Clinic, 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.”
Competition Details
– Categories: Junior Secondary School (JSS), Senior Secondary School (SSS), and Tertiary
– Levels: State, Regional, and National
– Prizes:
– State Level: Up to ₦2,500,000
– Regional Level: Up to ₦5,000,000
– National Level: Up to ₦15,000,000
– Registration: Open until February 15, 2026
Students are encouraged to participate in this transformative initiative aimed at making malaria a thing of the past. By registering for the competition, students can gain access to education, treatment, and the opportunity to become ambassadors for a malaria-free Nigeria.
The flag-off event was well attended by members of the college management, including Dr. Ademiluwa, Registrar; Dr. Iyiola Felicia, Director of Planning; Mr. Bakare, Dean of Student Affairs; Mr Idris Quande, Acting Librarian; Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, National President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS); and others, all showcasing their commitment to student welfare and public health advocacy.
