By Esther Onyegbula

In a groundbreaking move to combat malaria through youth-led innovation, Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd has launched the Geneith Health Competition, a ₦1 billion nationwide initiative aimed at mobilizing Nigerian students to lead the fight against one of the country’s deadliest diseases.

Announced at a joint press conference in Abuja on Saturday, the initiative is being executed in partnership with CEOAfrica and is backed by Nigeria’s top student associations: the National Association of University Students (NAUS), the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), and the National Association of Nigeria Colleges of Education Students (NANCES).

The competition, described as the first of its kind in Nigeria, will span secondary and tertiary institutions and is designed to foster malaria awareness, prevention, and community-based solutions through youth advocacy and innovation.

“This competition is more than a campaign, it’s a catalyst for change,” said Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd. “Our students are not just participants; they are the new generation of health advocates who will lead the charge against malaria.”

According to the organizers, ₦400 million will be distributed as cash prizes, while ₦600 million worth of gifts and resources will support the campaign’s outreach efforts. The initiative is powered by Coastal Forte Softgel, a pharmaceutical subsidiary of Geneith.

At the heart of the competition is an ambitious vision: to eliminate malaria from Nigerian campuses and communities by empowering students to raise awareness, educate their peers, and implement actionable ideas.

“Gone are the days we wait for the government alone,” said Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, MD/Team Lead of CEOAfrica and initiator of the competition. “This generation is taking destiny into its own hands.”

Representatives from Nigeria’s leading student bodies unanimously pledged support, hailing the initiative as timely and transformational.

“A healthy student today is a stronger leader tomorrow,” declared Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, Senate President of NAPS. “This competition promotes research, preventive healthcare, and student-led innovation. It’s a historic moment.”

His sentiments were echoed by Comr. Josiah Peter Oche, President of NAUS, who emphasized the urgency of the health crisis:

“Malaria affects millions every year. Through awareness and action, we can change this. This initiative gives us a chance to become lifesavers in our communities.”

While praising private sector involvement, student leaders also called on the government to strengthen its role in the fight against malaria.

“We commend Geneith, but we urge the government to double its efforts,” said Amb. Comrade Egunjobi Samuel Oluwaseun, National President of NANCES. “This is a national responsibility that requires united action.”

He acknowledged recent health sector reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Health but stressed the need for sustained funding, policies, and grassroots implementation.

The Geneith Health Competition will engage students in research, health education, advocacy, and community outreach, with a special focus on context-specific malaria prevention strategies. Registration is open via it website.

Organizers say the campaign aligns with global malaria elimination goals and aims to build a generation of health-conscious youth leaders who can influence change at scale.