The Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan, has officially flagged off the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), a ₦1 billion nationwide initiative aimed at empowering students as ambassadors in the fight against malaria.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Monday, August 25, 2025, the Provost of the College, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Ganiyu, described malaria as the biggest health challenge facing students in the institution, with nearly 90 percent of clinic visits linked to malaria symptoms.
“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 said.
He further revealed that the college had procured 1,000 doses of malaria drugs to ensure students remain healthy and ready to compete.
The competition, which was launched nationally in Abuja on May 2 by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate (represented by Dr. Godwin Ntadom), has since gained widespread support from stakeholders across the health and education sectors.
Chairing the Ibadan event was Hajia Wosilat Giwa, Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, alongside top dignitaries including 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.
Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, MD/CEO of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the competition, explained that the Geneith Health Competition carries a ₦1 billion commitment from Geneith Pharmaceuticals ₦400 million in cash prizes and ₦600 million in scholarships and incentives.
“Malaria is Nigeria’s deadliest enemy, causing economic loss and untimely deaths. Through this competition, our goal is to raise a generation of students who will be true ambassadors for a malaria-free Nigeria,” Ilobanafor said, stressing the need for prevention and student-led community health action.
Student leaders also pledged their commitment. Comrade Emmanuel Aluko, President of the Students Union Government (SUG) of the college, called the initiative “a life-changing opportunity,” while Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, National President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), urged Nigerian students to participate, describing it as both a health and educational empowerment platform.
Registration for the competition, which began on June 1, 2025, will run until February 15, 2026, with students encouraged to sign up via www.geneithhealthcompetition.com.
The launch positions the Federal Cooperative College as a pioneer in student-led public health advocacy, inspiring other institutions nationwide to take up the fight against malaria and safeguard the welfare of their communities.
