By: Manoah Kikekon
ABUJA, Nigeria — As the global community marks International Youth Day 2026 under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) has successfully mobilized Nigerian students nationwide to take a vanguard role in eradicating malaria.
The nationwide initiative received a massive boost as higher institutions—including Ekiti State University (EKSU) and Sahlan College of Health Science and Technology, Jos—formally committed to the campaign. With an unprecedented ₦1 billion prize pool at stake, the competition is bridging education and public health advocacy across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The GHC initiator and CEOAFRICA Managing Director, **Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, alongside the Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, **Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, extended warm felicitations to Nigerian youths. They emphasized that despite diverse socio-economic backgrounds, young Nigerians share a unified drive for wellness, quality education, and national prosperity.
"Young Nigerians, regardless of their backgrounds, share common aspirations for good health, quality education, meaningful participation, and a prosperous future. Malaria remains a major threat to these goals, and our youths have what it takes to turn the tide," Prince Ilobanafor stated.
Organisers noted that student participation has surged exponentially. Youths are increasingly stepping up as Malaria Ambassadors, driving grassroots awareness, digital health campaigns, and community sanitation initiatives to combat the disease at its roots.
The campaign's momentum reached a fever pitch as major tertiary institutions threw their weight behind the contest ahead of the October 30 registration deadline.
At Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele, officially approved student participation, urging undergraduates to leverage the platform to showcase their intellect and compete for top academic prizes. Similarly, management at Sahlan College of Health Science and Technology, Jos, expressed unwavering institutional commitment, preparing their student body to make a profound impact in public health advocacy.
Chief Emmanuel Umenwa of Geneith Pharmaceuticals underscored that empowering the younger generation with health literacy and educational backing is a non-negotiable step toward a thriving nation.
Organised by CEOAFRICA, proudly sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals, and powered by *Coatal Forte Softgel*, the GHC offers a life-changing ₦1 billion cumulative prize pool**. The rewards encompass cash awards, educational scholarships, professional training, and learning materials spanning:
Junior Secondary Category, Senior Secondary Category, Tertiary Institution Category
The competition roadmap kicks off with a virtual preliminary examination. The top 50 qualifiers from each state will subsequently advance to live public-health quizzes, regional face-offs, and the ultimate national grand finale.
Eligible students across the country are encouraged to sign up before the October 30 deadline by visiting the official portal at [www.geneithhealthcompetition.com](https://www.geneithhealthcompetition.com).