Thousands of Nigerian students are being mobilised to take up the fight against malaria as the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) continues to attract schools from across the country, ahead of its October 30, 2026 national finale.
The latest institutions to register for the nationwide initiative are Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha; St. Patrick’s College, Asaba; and Muwanshat International Academy, Jalingo, underscoring the growing acceptance of the competition as a platform for health education and youth empowerment.
The competition, organised by CEOAFRICA and sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, seeks to equip students with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to promote malaria prevention while competing for prizes worth over ₦1 billion.
During sensitisation visits to participating schools, Geneith Health Competition activators encouraged students to see themselves as future health ambassadors capable of influencing positive behavioural change in their schools and communities.
Speaking at Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, the Principal, Dr Chiemezie Ogidi, described the initiative as an innovative response to one of Nigeria’s most persistent public health challenges.
“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 added that beyond academic competition, the programme encourages students to become advocates for healthier lifestyles and pledged the school’s full support for participants.
The Managing Director of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the competition, Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, said the initiative was conceived to tackle the devastating effect of malaria on children’s education and prospects.
“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.
The Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, Emmanuel Umenwa said Nigerian youths have a critical role to play in reducing the burden of malaria through awareness, innovation and community engagement.
He said that while the current edition focuses on malaria, future editions of the annual competition will address other major public health and safety challenges facing the country.
The Geneith Health Competition, endorsed by the Department of Public Health of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is open to students in junior secondary schools, senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions nationwide.
Participants will compete through state and regional stages after an online qualifying examination, with winners at the grand finale sharing cash prizes, scholarships, educational materials, healthcare products, training opportunities and other rewards worth over ₦1 billion.
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