Nigerian youths are being called to take center stage in the fight against malaria as the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) ramps up its nationwide campaign to mark International Youth Day 2026.
The theme for this year, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” was used to urge students across the country to become active agents in driving awareness, grassroots sensitisation, and community action.
Speaking ahead of the October 30 registration deadline, GHC initiator and CEOAFRICA Managing Director Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, alongside Geneith Pharmaceuticals Chairman Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, congratulated Nigerian youths and said malaria remains a major threat to health, education and prosperity.
“Young Nigerians, regardless of their backgrounds, share common aspirations for good health, quality education, meaningful participation and a prosperous future,” Ilobanafor said. He added that empowering young people with health knowledge is critical to building a healthier Nigeria.
The campaign got a boost this week with two new institutions joining: Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti and Sahlan College of Health Science and Technology, Jos. At EKSU, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele approved student participation and encouraged undergraduates to compete for top prizes. Sahlan College also pledged strong institutional support.
Organisers say participation has surged nationwide, with students being positioned as “Malaria Ambassadors” to lead digital advocacy, community sanitation drives and peer-to-peer education.
*About the competition*
The GHC is organised by CEOAFRICA, sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel. It features an overall ₦1 billion prize pool covering cash awards, scholarships, training and educational materials.
The contest runs across three categories: junior secondary, senior secondary and tertiary. It starts with a virtual preliminary exam. The top 50 qualifiers in each state then move to live public-health quizzes, regional contests, and the national grand finale.
