GHC Mobilises Students For Malaria-Free Nigeria As EKSU, Sahlan Join Youth Day Campaign

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

The Geneith Health Competition (GHC) has mobilised Nigerian students to lead the fight against malaria as the country marks International Youth Day 2026.

With the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” GHC organisers said the campaign seeks to position young people as frontline advocates for a malaria-free Nigeria.

Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, and Sahlan College of Health Science and Technology, Jos, have formally joined the competition ahead of the October 30 registration deadline, bringing fresh momentum to the nationwide drive.

The GHC initiator and CEOAFRICA Managing Director, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, and Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, congratulated Nigerian youths and urged them to become active agents in public health advocacy.

Ilobanafor said malaria remains a major threat to the aspirations of young Nigerians for good health, quality education and a prosperous future. He called on more universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to participate, noting that the competition offers scholarships, leadership training and cash rewards.

At EKSU, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele, approved students’ participation and encouraged undergraduates to compete for the top prizes. Sahlan College also pledged institutional support for the initiative.

Organisers said student participation has surged nationwide, with participants being positioned as Malaria Ambassadors to drive grassroots sensitisation, digital advocacy and community sanitation.

The GHC, organised by CEOAFRICA, sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, has a ₦1 billion prize pool covering cash awards, scholarships, training and educational materials for junior secondary, senior secondary and tertiary categories.

The contest begins with a virtual preliminary exam. The top 50 qualifiers in each state will advance to live public-health quizzes, regional contests and the national grand finale.

Registration is open to students in Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT via http://www.geneithhealthcompetition.com until October 30.

Ilobanafor urged Nigerians to unite across regional and political lines to tackle malaria, stressing that equipping young people with health knowledge is critical to building a healthier Nigeria.