The Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan, has officially kick-started the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) as a significant step toward enhancing student welfare and addressing pressing health issues.
The nationwide initiative is aimed at empowering young people as ambassadors in the fight against malaria.
The flag-off ceremony, which took place on Monday, August 25, 2025, in the college conference room, was attended by members of the college management and various 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.
It featured notable figures, including Pharm. Tanko Ibrahim Ayuba, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), and Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh, the immediate Past President of PSN and co-chairman of the College of Assessors, along with Commissioners of Education and Health from various states.
The collective effort stressed the commitment to raising awareness and empowering the youth in the fight against malaria, with educational institutions actively logging into this initiative.
Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Ganiyu, Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, expressed his deep appreciation to the organizers for choosing the institution as the pioneer host for the campaign.
He stated: “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.”
Dr. Abdul Ganiyu further noted the significance of malaria as a health challenge at the college, revealing that approximately 90 percent 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 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, Student Affairs; and Mr. Idris Quande, Acting Librarian, Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, National President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) among others, all showcasing their commitment to student welfare and public health advocacy.
Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, MD/CEO of CEOAFRICA, the initiator of GHC who led the delegation, 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.
“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 mobilize 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, 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.”
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 the transformative initiative aimed at making malaria a thing of the past by visiting the website, www.geneithhealthcompetition.com.
As the onset of the competition draws near, the Federal Cooperative College positions itself as a leader in public health advocacy, paving the way for other institutions to join the fight against malaria and support the health and welfare of their communities.
