Federal Cooperative College Ibadan Flags Off Malaria Campaign, Opens Portal for Geneith Health Competition (Register Here)
Federal Cooperative College Ibadan Flags Off Malaria Campaign, Opens Portal for Geneith Health Competition (Register Here)
The Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan, has taken a bold step toward improving student welfare and addressing malaria with the official launch of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC).
Eagles Sight News gathers that the program, is nationwide initiative designed to equip young people as malaria ambassadors, was flagged off on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the institution’s conference hall. The event attracted members of the college management, health stakeholders, and representatives from the education sector.
First unveiled in Abuja on May 2 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 continued to receive wide support across the country.
The Ibadan event was chaired by Hajia Wosilat Giwa, Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria. Distinguished personalities in attendance included Pharm. Tanko Ibrahim Ayuba, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh, Immediate Past President of PSN and Co-chairman of the College of Assessors, as well as commissioners of health and education from different states. Their presence highlighted the collective commitment to raising awareness and empowering students to lead the fight against malaria.
Provost of the college, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Ganiyu, expressed gratitude to the organizers for making his institution the pioneer host. “Malaria remains a deadly disease, and initiatives like this are timely. President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda includes revitalizing the healthcare sector, and this competition is in line with that vision. Our students are not only ready to participate but also determined to excel,” he remarked.
Dr. Abdul Ganiyu further revealed that about 90% of the cases presented at the school clinic are malaria-related. To support the campaign, he announced that the institution would procure 1,000 doses of anti-malaria medication to safeguard the health of students.
The event also had in attendance Dr. Ademiluwa (Registrar), Dr. Iyiola Felicia (Director of Planning), Mr. Bakare (Dean of Student Affairs), Mr. Idris Quande (Acting Librarian), and Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, National President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), among others—all underscoring their dedication to student health and wellbeing.
Leading the GHC delegation, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, MD/CEO of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the competition, described malaria as Nigeria’s most persistent health enemy. He emphasized that the program is not just a contest but a movement aimed at building a malaria-free nation. With a ₦1 billion commitment from Geneith Pharmaceuticals—₦400 million in cash prizes and ₦600 million in scholarships and incentives—the competition seeks to mobilize students to take charge of their health and surroundings.
“Prevention is the strongest weapon against malaria. If students become ambassadors who actively maintain clean environments, the spread of malaria can be drastically reduced,” Ilobanafor stressed.
Supporting the initiative, Comrade Emmanuel Aluko, President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) at the college, described the project as a life-changing opportunity for young people. “Our generation must be the one to end malaria, and we are ready to take on the challenge,” he said.
NAPS President, Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, also encouraged students nationwide to enroll in the competition, noting that registration comes with access to education and treatment. “Together, we can achieve a malaria-free generation,” he urged.
Mrs. Sulaimon Rofiat Ambimbola, Head of the College Clinic, commended the program for combining awareness with action. “Sanitation, prevention, and education are critical. When students are healthy, their studies flourish. That is why this project is so important,” she said.
The Geneith Health Competition, which commenced registration on June 1, 2025, will run until February 15, 2026, and is open to students nationwide. Interested participants can register via the official website, www.geneithhealthcompetition.com.
By hosting the flag-off, the Federal Cooperative College has positioned itself as a trailblazer in student-focused public health advocacy, setting an example for other institutions across Nigeria to emulate in the collective fight against malaria