Organisers of the 2026 Geneith Health Competition (GHC) have urged secondary school and tertiary institution students across Nigeria to intensify preparations ahead of the national contest scheduled for October 30.
The call was made by the Managing Director of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the competition, Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, alongside the Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and sponsor of the initiative, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa.
They encouraged students to dedicate the remaining weeks before the competition to disciplined study, research, critical thinking and personal development, while also calling on school administrators to ensure that all eligible students register and participate.
Organised by CEOAFRICA, sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, the Geneith Health Competition is a nationwide initiative aimed at combating malaria through education, innovation, advocacy and youth engagement.
The programme has received the endorsement of the Department of Public Health under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Speaking on the initiative, Prince Iloabanafor said the competition has attracted widespread interest from students across the country, describing it as a growing national movement focused on developing future healthcare leaders.
“The Geneith Health Competition has grown into a powerful national movement. The enthusiasm shown by students demonstrates that the next generation is ready to contribute meaningfully to solving one of Nigeria’s biggest public health challenges,” he said.
According to him, the competition is designed not only to reward academic excellence but also to nurture informed young Nigerians who will serve as advocates in the fight against malaria.
He urged participants to approach the competition with confidence and determination, noting that their knowledge and commitment could help reshape Nigeria’s healthcare future.
Chief Umenwa also challenged young Nigerians to play active roles in tackling malaria, describing the disease as one of the country’s most persistent public health challenges.
“Malaria continues to claim lives and limit the potential of millions of Nigerians. The younger generation possesses the energy, innovation and digital skills needed to drive sustainable change. This is your opportunity to become champions for healthier communities,” he said.
The organisers announced a ₦1 billion prize package comprising cash rewards, scholarships, educational materials, training opportunities and other gift items. Outstanding participants will also receive awards at various stages of the competition.
Prince Iloabanafor stressed that success would depend largely on adequate preparation, describing the competition as an opportunity for students to become ambassadors for healthcare advancement.
He advised contestants to regularly check their emails and the official competition website for updates on schedules, venues and guidelines, while urging them to rely only on verified communication channels.
The organisers also appealed to schools nationwide to support the initiative by registering eligible students, saying wider participation would strengthen malaria awareness campaigns and encourage youth involvement in public health.
Project activators involved in the registration exercise were directed to wear official identity cards, branded caps and other approved means of identification during visits to schools to promote transparency.
According to the organisers, the competition seeks to develop participants into community-based Malaria Ambassadors who will promote healthy practices in schools, homes and communities.
The initiative comes as Nigeria continues to shoulder one of the world’s highest malaria burdens. Health experts have consistently emphasised the importance of education, environmental sanitation and community participation in efforts to eliminate the disease.
Chief Umenwa reaffirmed Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, youth empowerment and sustainable healthcare development.
“Our vision is to empower young Nigerians to become problem-solvers and future healthcare leaders through innovation and education. We remain committed to our guiding theme of Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite and Stay Committed,” he said.
With registration still ongoing through the official competition portal, organisers expressed confidence that this year’s edition will further promote academic excellence while empowering thousands of young Nigerians to become leaders in the campaign against malaria. :::
