The Federal School of Statistics (FSS), Ibadan, has joined the national movement to eradicate malaria in Nigeria with the launch of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) — a transformative health initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians as ambassadors in the fight against malaria.
The official flag-off ceremony took place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the institution’s conference room, attracting members of the school management, students, and key health stakeholders. The event marked a significant milestone in the nationwide campaign to promote malaria awareness, hygiene, and community engagement through education and advocacy.
Notable dignitaries at the event included the Rector of the Federal School of Statistics, Mrs. Olugu Mercy Uche; Dr. K.O. Balogun, former Rector; Mr. A.F. Fadayomi, Deputy Rector; Mr. T.M. Mosugu, Registrar; Mr. S. Amasoh, Bursar; Mr. M.O. Salisu, Head of Computer Department; Mr. Akinyeke, Principal Lecturer; Mr. R.O. Ojeogun, Dean of Student Affairs; Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, Initiator of the GHC and MD/CEO of CEOAFRICA; and Sen. E.K. Olugbuyi, President of the Student Union Government (SUG), among others.
In her keynote address, Rector Olugu Mercy Uche expressed profound appreciation to Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and CEOAFRICA for selecting the institution as a beneficiary of the initiative.
> “It is with a heart full of gratitude and a profound sense of shared purpose that I, on behalf of the Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeniran Adeyemi Semiu, and the entire academic community of the Federal School of Statistics, Ibadan, extend our deepest appreciation for this laudable intervention,” she said.
She described the initiative as one that aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at ensuring quality and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians.
> “By targeting a preventable yet devastating disease like malaria, you are striking at the very core of a major public health challenge, thereby strengthening the foundation of our nation’s well-being,” she added.
The Rector also emphasized the importance of youth participation in health advocacy, noting that the initiative would empower students to become agents of change in their communities.
In his remarks, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, Initiator of the competition and MD/CEO of CEOAFRICA, commended the school’s management for embracing the campaign and demonstrating commitment to public health.
> “This is more than a competition — it is a call to action, a movement,” he said. “The Geneith Health Initiative is about saving lives, building leaders, and transforming mindsets. It will make students health ambassadors and equip them with practical skills in hygiene, advocacy, and community leadership.”
He noted that the project, organized by CEOAFRICA in partnership with Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, is the first of its kind in Africa, combining health awareness with youth empowerment.
Ilobanafor stressed that malaria remains one of Africa’s most preventable yet deadly diseases and called for collective action to eradicate it.
> “Malaria kills silently, yet it’s one of the easiest diseases to prevent if we all play our part,” he said. “We cannot rely on government alone — everyone has a role to play, from keeping our surroundings clean to sleeping under treated mosquito nets.”
He urged students to take responsibility for maintaining clean environments and participate actively in sanitation exercises.
The CEOAFRICA boss also commended Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman/CEO of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, for funding the project, and Coatal Forte Softgel for powering the initiative, describing the collaboration as a model of private sector support for national health goals.
Speaking on behalf of the student body, SUG President, Sen. E.K. Olugbuyi, pledged full participation and support for the initiative.
> “We, the students of the Federal School of Statistics, Ibadan, are ready to play our part. We will mobilize all students for weekly sanitation and environmental clean-ups because most of the illnesses treated at our school health centre are malaria-related,” he said.
The event concluded with a collective pledge by staff and students to serve as Malaria Ambassadors, championing hygiene, awareness, and prevention within and beyond the campus community.
