By Esther Onyegbula

In a landmark push against one of Nigeria’s deadliest diseases, student leaders across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education have thrown their weight behind the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), a youth-led public health initiative aimed at eradicating malaria nationwide.

The campaign, spearheaded by Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, initiator of the GHC, and sponsored by Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, received a significant boost as national presidents of three major student bodies—Comr Josiah Peter Oche (NAUS), Comr Oyewumi Festus Ayomide (NASPS), and Comr Edunjobi Samuel Oluwaseun (NANCES), formally adopted the initiative during a recent endorsement rally.

“We regard your participation in this initiative as a powerful step toward a malaria-free Nigeria,” Ilobanafor said. “By rallying together, you have the potential to make an indelible impact on public health.”

Umenwa echoed his remarks, calling on institutional stakeholders and policymakers to recognize student engagement as critical to Nigeria’s public health future. “The involvement of students is crucial in this fight, as they represent the vibrant and innovative spirit necessary to enact meaningful change,” he stated.

Powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, a high-strength antimalarial medication targeting Plasmodium falciparum, the GHC combines health education with youth empowerment. The campaign includes workshops, campus outreach programs, health walks, and leadership training sessions across Nigeria’s higher education institutions.

The collaboration marks one of the most coordinated student-led health interventions in recent years, with organizers highlighting its potential to influence national malaria control strategies.

Health experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that Nigeria accounts for over 25% of global malaria cases. According to the World Health Organization, the country loses thousands annually to preventable malaria-related deaths—particularly among children under five.

By targeting youth populations and leveraging student unions, the GHC aims to dismantle barriers to healthcare awareness and access in vulnerable communities.

“This is not just a program; it is a movement,” Ilobanafor emphasized, urging students to act as health ambassadors within their campuses and communities.

The Geneith Health Competition is currently open for registration at their website, with events expected to roll out across Nigeria over the coming months.

Organizers say they are hopeful the campaign will spark a generational shift in how Nigerians confront one of the country’s most persistent public health challenges.