The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT) Ibadan, has officially endorsed the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) by enrolling its entire student body in a transformative initiative aimed at combating malaria in Nigeria. This decisive action underscores the institution’s commitment to promoting health awareness and education among its students.

The Geneith Health Competition is an initiative organized by CEOAFRICA, Sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, and Powered by Coatal Forte Softgel. It is first of its kind in Africa, which focuses on malaria awareness, education, advocacy, and empowerment among students. By participating in this competition, students will gain critical knowledge about malaria prevention, treatment and awareness, while also becoming proactive advocates for health within their communities.

The flag-off ceremony took place on Wednesday, September 16, 2025, in the college conference room and was attended by members of the college management, various stakeholders from the health sector, and notable figures committed to the fight against malaria.

Since its launch on May 2, 2025, in Abuja by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the GHC has garnered widespread support from various stakeholders. The epoch-making event featured distinguished guests, including Hajia Wosilat Giwa, the Chairperson of the Governing Council Board at the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, along with Pharm. Tanko Ibrahim Ayuba, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), and Pharm. (Prof.) Cyril Odianose Usifoh, Immediate Past President of PSN and co-chairman of the College of Assessors. Their collective presence emphasized a unified commitment to raising awareness and empowering youth in the battle against malaria.

Dr. Chidi Nweze Okpeze, the Acting Provost of FCAH&PT, expressed the institution's commitment to public health, stating, "Participating in the Geneith Health Competition is a significant step towards empowering our students. This initiative will enhance their understanding of malaria and inspire them to contribute positively to the health of our nation."

Dr. Okpeze also highlighted the relevance of this initiative in the context of President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda aimed at revitalizing the healthcare system for the benefit of all. “As an institution, we want to key into this initiative by registering our students," he added.

The event was well attended by key college management members, including Dr. Chidi Okpeze; Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, the GHC Initiator; Dr. Alonge, Deputy Provost (Academics); Dr. S.O. Odukoya, Deputy Provost (Administration); Mrs. O.Y Popoola, Acting Registrar; Dr. Okorafor, Dean of Student Affairs; Dr. Oladipupo, Medical Doctor at FCAH&PT; Akanbi-Stone Adeola, SUG President; and Adebayo Bolutife, Senate President, among others, all showcasing their commitment to student welfare and public health advocacy.

Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, the MD/CEO of CEOAFRICA, remarked on the importance of the competition in addressing malaria's significant toll on Nigerian society. "Through the Geneith Health Competition, our goal is to see students and youths become ambassadors for a malaria-free Nigeria. With ₦1 billion in sponsorship from Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, which includes ₦420 million allocated for scholarships and cash awards, we are dedicated to student-focused initiatives," he stated.

Highlighting the dire implications of malaria in Nigeria, Ilobanafor shared, “Ninety-six percent of diseases students complain about in school clinics are linked to malaria. By engaging youth as the vanguard in this initiative, we aim to change this narrative and empower them to create a healthier community.”

Supporting this vision, Akanbi-Stone Adeola, President of the Students Union Government (SUG) at FCAH&PT, described the initiative as a “life-changing opportunity” for students, affirming, “We are fully ready to take ownership of the fight against malaria. Our generation must be the one to finally end this disease.”

Dr. Oladipupo praised the project for aligning health awareness with practical solutions, observing, "Malaria resistance is a serious challenge we face in many government hospitals. Sanitation, prevention, and awareness are crucial because if students are healthy, their education thrives."

The FCAH&PT's commitment to this initiative sets a significant precedent, encouraging other educational institutions across the country to recognize the importance of the GHC. With enrollments for the Geneith Health Competition ongoing and set to close on February 15, 2026, other universities and colleges are invited to join this critical fight against malaria by visiting www.geneithhealthcompetition.com.

As the FCAH&PT joins this crucial movement, it highlights the necessity for collaborative efforts in ensuring a healthier future for Nigeria, empowering the next generation to lead the fight against malaria.