The Federal Cooperative College (FCC), Eleyele, Ibadan, on Monday flagged off the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), a nationwide initiative designed to engage students as frontline ambassadors in the fight against malaria.
The event, held at the college conference room, was attended by management staff, health stakeholders and student leaders.
Launched on May 2 in Abuja by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, the programme has continued to enjoy wide backing across the education and health sectors.
Chairing the Ibadan flag-off was Hajia Wosilat Giwa, Chairperson of the Governing Council, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria. Other notable figures included the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Tanko Ibrahim Ayuba, and his predecessor, Prof. Cyril Usifoh, who is also co-chairman of the College of Assessors. Commissioners of education and health from different states were also represented.
Provost of FCC, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Ganiyu, praised the organisers for selecting the institution as pioneer host. He noted that malaria remains the most common ailment among students, with about 90 per cent of clinic cases linked to the disease.
“Malaria is a killer disease and anything that supports its eradication is welcome. President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda includes a strong focus on healthcare, and this initiative aligns with that vision. Our students are ready to take up the challenge,” he said.
To back the campaign, the provost announced plans by the college to procure 1,000 doses of anti-malaria drugs for students.
Initiator of the competition and MD/CEO of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, described malaria as “Nigeria’s deadliest enemy”, noting its economic and social toll.
He disclosed that Geneith Pharmaceuticals has committed ₦1 billion to the project—₦400 million in cash prizes and ₦600 million in scholarships and incentives.
“This is more than a competition; it is a movement. Prevention is the key. If students become ambassadors and take ownership of their environment, we can reduce the malaria burden,” Ilobanafor said.
Student leaders also pledged support. The Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Emmanuel Aluko, called the initiative “life-changing”, while National President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, urged youths nationwide to register.
Head of the FCC Clinic, Mrs. Rofiat Ambimbola, stressed that “sanitation, prevention and awareness” remain central to keeping students healthy and learning effectively.
Registration for the competition, which began on June 1, will close on February 15, 2026. Students are to register via www.geneithhealthcompetition.com.
