In a bold step to tackle malaria, one of Nigeria’s deadliest diseases, Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd has launched a groundbreaking ₦1 billion national campaign known as the Geneith Health Competition. The initiative, officially unveiled at a press conference in Abuja, seeks to empower students across Nigeria’s educational institutions to lead community-based malaria prevention and awareness efforts.
The campaign is being executed in collaboration with media organisation CEOAfrica and is backed by the country’s top student unions—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).
Billed as the first of its kind in Nigeria, the Geneith Health Competition is set to engage thousands of students from both secondary and tertiary institutions in a wide range of activities such as research, advocacy, health education, and field-based malaria interventions.
According to the organisers, the project aims to ignite student-led innovation in malaria prevention by encouraging context-specific solutions that reflect local realities. Registration for the competition is currently open via the official campaign website.
Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, described the initiative as more than just a competition, calling it “a catalyst for change” with long-term benefits for Nigeria’s health landscape.
“This competition is more than a campaign; it’s a catalyst for change. Our students are not just participants; they are the new generation of health advocates who will lead the charge against malaria,” Umenwa stated during the launch event.
Of the ₦1 billion budget, ₦400 million will be awarded as cash prizes to outstanding student participants and winning institutions, while the remaining ₦600 million will go toward logistics, awareness tools, and community outreach materials. The initiative is powered by Coastal Forte Softgel, a subsidiary of Geneith Pharmaceuticals.
Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, CEOAfrica’s MD and initiator of the competition, highlighted the shift from government-only responsibility to private-sector and youth-driven solutions.
“Gone are the days we wait for the government alone. This generation is taking destiny into its own hands,” he declared, calling for more collaboration between health professionals, educators, and young Nigerians.
Student leaders from all three national associations praised the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to engaging students in the health sector beyond the classroom.
“A healthy student today is a stronger leader tomorrow. This competition promotes research, preventive healthcare, and student-led innovation. It’s a historic moment,” said Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, Senate President of NAPS.
NAUS President Comrade Josiah Peter Oche echoed the importance of student involvement, stating, “Through awareness and action, we can change this. This initiative gives us a chance to become lifesavers in our communities.”
Amb. Comrade Egunjobi Samuel Oluwaseun, NANCES National President, commended Geneith Pharmaceuticals for their leadership in public health. However, he urged the federal government to scale up its role in the malaria fight.
“We commend Geneith, but we urge the government to double its efforts,” he said, referring to recent reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Health. He emphasized that policies and funding must reach grassroots communities to make a lasting impact.
Malaria remains a leading cause of death in Nigeria, especially among children under five and pregnant women. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that Nigeria accounts for about 27% of global malaria cases. Despite national and international efforts, the disease continues to overwhelm many communities, particularly in rural areas.
Health experts say the Geneith Health Competition is a welcome development, as it puts young people at the forefront of public health advocacy while addressing a pressing national crisis. By combining research, creativity, and local engagement, the initiative offers a new model for youth-led health campaigns in Africa.
The campaign also aligns with broader national health objectives, including the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
As registration continues, more schools and student groups are expected to join the campaign in the coming weeks. Organisers say the competition will culminate in a national showcase and awards ceremony later in the year.
