The Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan, has taken a bold step in the fight against malaria with the official flag-off of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), a nationwide initiative designed to empower young people as health ambassadors.
The ceremony, held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the college’s conference room, brought together management staff, health experts, and student leaders in a united call to combat one of Nigeria’s deadliest diseases.
Since its national launch on May 2 in Abuja by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate (represented by Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health), the GHC has gained wide acceptance across educational institutions.
The Ibadan event was chaired by Hajia Wosilat Giwa, Chairperson of the Governing Council at the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, with the presence of eminent health leaders 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.
Speaking at the event, the Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Ganiyu, expressed gratitude to the organizers for selecting the college as the pioneer host. He stressed the urgency of tackling malaria, noting that nearly 90% of students who visit the school clinic present malaria-related symptoms.
“Malaria is a killer disease, and any initiative aimed at its eradication is welcome. One of President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda is to reinvigorate healthcare, and this project aligns perfectly with that vision. Our students are ready to participate and excel,” he assured.
To strengthen this commitment, the provost announced the procurement of 1,000 doses of anti-malaria drugs for the college clinic.
The program’s initiator, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, MD/CEO of CEOAFRICA, led the delegation and underscored the importance of student-driven advocacy.
“Malaria remains Nigeria’s deadliest enemy, draining lives and the economy. Through the Geneith Health Competition, students will become ambassadors for a malaria-free Nigeria,” he said.
Ilobanafor revealed that Geneith Pharmaceuticals has committed ₦1 billion to the initiative—₦400 million in cash prizes and ₦600 million in scholarships and incentives. He emphasized that beyond the competition, the goal is to mobilize students for prevention and environmental cleanliness as a sustainable strategy against malaria.
Student leaders also pledged their support. Comrade Emmanuel Aluko, President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), described the initiative as a “life-changing opportunity,” while Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, National President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), called on all Nigerian students to register, highlighting the health benefits and educational opportunities attached.
Similarly, Mrs. Sulaimon Rofiat Ambimbola, Head of the College Clinic, lauded the project for integrating awareness with action. “If students are healthy, education thrives. Sanitation and prevention remain our strongest weapons, and this competition drives that home,” she said.
The flag-off ceremony had in attendance 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), all reaffirming their dedication to student welfare.
Registration for the Geneith Health Competition opened on June 1, 2025, and runs until February 15, 2026, with prizes worth over ₦1 billion at stake. Interested students can register via the official portal, www.geneithhealthcompetition.com
With this launch, the Federal Cooperative College positions itself at the forefront of public health advocacy in Nigeria, setting the pace for other institutions to join in the collective fight for a malaria-free future.
