By Esther Onyegbula

Three prominent Nigerian schools, Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha; St. Patrick’s College, Asaba; and Muwanshat International Academy, Jalingo, have joined the Geneith Health Competition (GHC), intensifying the nationwide contest for over ₦1 billion worth of prizes.

The latest registrations mark another milestone for the school-based health advocacy initiative aimed at raising a new generation of young health advocates to combat malaria and promote healthier communities.
The schools joined the competition following sensitisation visits by Geneith Health Competition activators across different regions of the country.

In Taraba State, the regional health activator, Abduljalilu Sani Garba, visited Muwanshat International Academy, Jalingo, where he was received by the school’s management and students.

Garba commended the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, saying the visit was characterised by enthusiasm, determination and healthy competition.

According to him, the students demonstrated a strong willingness to participate in the programme, adding that the competition is already inspiring young Nigerians to become advocates for improved public health.

Similarly, the South-East regional health activator, Mrs. Chinyere Chidimma Olisa, visited Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha, where she praised the school’s academic heritage, discipline and culture of excellence.
Mrs. Olisa said the students displayed remarkable enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity from the introduction of the programme.
“The eagerness shown by the students reflects the spirit of true champions,” she said, expressing confidence that the school would emerge as one of the leading contenders as the competition progresses to the national finals.
School administrators at the participating institutions described the Geneith Health Competition as a timely initiative that combines education with public health while providing students opportunities to develop leadership skills, critical thinking and social responsibility.
Welcoming the initiative to DMGS, the Principal, Revd. Dr. Chiemezie Ogidi, commended the organisers for creating a platform that empowers students to contribute to addressing one of Nigeria’s most persistent public health challenges.

He noted that malaria continues to affect learning by keeping many students away from school and said the competition offers an innovative approach to transforming young people into advocates for malaria elimination.

According to him, the programme aligns with the school’s tradition of academic excellence and character development.
“Malaria remains one of the greatest threats to the future of our young people. Initiatives like this equip students with the knowledge they need to protect themselves while preparing them to contribute meaningfully to society,” Ogidi said.

He assured the organisers that the school would provide participants with the necessary academic support, including study materials and mentorship, expressing confidence that DMGS would compete strongly for the national title.

Reacting to the increasing participation by schools across the country, the Managing Director of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the Geneith Health Competition, Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, said the growing interest reflects the willingness of Nigerian schools to embrace education-driven solutions to public health challenges.

He said the participation of schools from the South-East, South-South and North-East reinforces the competition’s vision of building a united front against malaria.
Prince Iloabanafor explained that the initiative was conceived in response to the devastating impact of malaria on the academic performance and future prospects of millions of Nigerian children.

“The Geneith Health Competition has become much more than a quiz competition. It is a national movement committed to raising a generation of health ambassadors who understand that preventing malaria begins with knowledge, discipline and community action,” he said.

He urged students to prepare diligently while advising parents, schools and participants to rely only on official communication channels for information regarding the competition.
He also directed all Geneith Health Competition activators to wear approved identification during school visits to ensure transparency throughout the registration exercise.
Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and sponsor of the initiative, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, called on Nigerian youths to embrace their role as champions of healthier communities.

Describing malaria as one of Nigeria’s greatest public health burdens, Umenwa said the creativity, innovation and energy of young people remain vital to winning the fight against the disease.
He disclosed that the Geneith Health Competition is designed as an annual national programme, with future editions expected to expand beyond malaria to address other critical public health and safety issues.

Organised by CEOAFRICA, sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, the Geneith Health Competition is endorsed by the Department of Public Health of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The competition is open to students in junior secondary schools, senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions nationwide and will be conducted in three stages, state, regional and national finals.

Participants will first sit for an online qualifying examination before progressing to physical state competitions, with successful candidates advancing to the regional stage and the grand national finale.

Organisers said winners will receive prizes worth over ₦1 billion, including cash awards, scholarships, educational materials, healthcare products, training opportunities and certificates of merit.

Registration remains open to eligible public and private secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the October 30, 2026 national finale.