Student associations across Nigeria have joined calls for an end to the malaria scourge in the country.
The students made their position known at a media conference on Sunday in Abuja to announce the Geneith National Health Competition for students of secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
The competition aims to leverage the power of young people to take ownership of the fight against malaria.
Speaking at the event, Mr Egunjobi Oluwaseun, National President of the National Association of Nigeria Colleges of Education Students (NANCES), described malaria as a persistent public health challenge.
According to him, it claims lives, reduces productivity, and hampers students’ academic performance across campuses and communities.
“Today, we rise not only to speak against it but to take action,” he declared.
Oluwaseun lauded the anti-malaria campaign, describing it as a much-needed initiative to raise awareness, promote research, and encourage innovation in tackling public health issues, especially malaria.
“We encourage our students to participate actively and be part of the solution.
“While we commend the bold steps being taken, we also issue a passionate call to the government: do not relent,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as steadfast leadership and commitment to national health through various interventions.
“Your leadership has reawakened hope and brought renewed attention to the importance of a healthy population in achieving national development,” he said.
While acknowledging private sector involvement, he emphasised that sustained government leadership was essential to achieving lasting results.
“Let us double our efforts in funding, policy, implementation, and education to ensure that we push malaria out of our campuses, schools, communities, and ultimately, our nation.
“This is our collective responsibility, and together, government, private sector, civil society, and students can and must win this war,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Oyewumi Ayomide, President of the Senate, National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), said the initiative reflected a shared commitment to the health and holistic development of Nigerian students from Junior Secondary School to tertiary institutions.
He described the competition as timely and transformational, one that would in still health consciousness, foster research-driven thinking, and promote early intervention.
“It will equip students with lifesaving health education, promote preventive healthcare, serve as a platform for innovation and youth-driven solutions, and create opportunities for networking, mentorship, and leadership development,” he said.
The Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and sponsor of the competition, Mr Emmanuel Umenwa said the competition aimed to inspire innovative thinking among students.
Represented by Mr Abimbola Bowoton, he said it would enable them not only to raise awareness but also proposed actionable solutions within their communities.
“This competition empowers them to be advocates and change-makers, giving them a platform to discuss and drive initiatives around malaria prevention.
“I urge all participants, educators, and community members to engage fully. The voices of our youth are vital as we work together to eliminate malaria.”
Umenwa said Geneith’s commitment went beyond the competition, adding that the company envisioned a future where youth were active health advocates throughout their lives.
“The Geneith Health Competition serves as a catalyst for collaboration among government, the private sector, and civil society, setting a precedent for collective action in health advocacy,” he added.
The Managing Director of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the competition, Mr Cletus Ilobonafor said young people must take the lead in changing the narrative around malaria.
“Gone are the days when we waited for the government to do it all.
“We are taking our destiny into our own hands. We want to eliminate malaria in Nigeria and you are taking the lead,” he said.
Ilobonafor disclosed that one billion Naira had been budgeted for the competition, with N400 million in cash prizes and N600 million in other gifts up for grabs.
He announced that registration for the competition had opened and would continue until the end of the year.
He called on the interested participants to register via www.geneithhealthcompetition.com.
The nationwide competition, structured as a quiz, will be conducted in three categories: Junior Secondary School (JSS), Senior Secondary School (SSS), and Tertiary Institution.
NAN
