- mobilize members to participate
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Students from the Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education have mobilized their members to participate in the recently launched health competition on malaria being championed by Geneith Pharmaceutical Limited in partnership with CEO Africa.
The students gave the endorsement during the official launch and opening of the registration portal in Abuja, which signalled the commencement of health competition.
Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, President of the Senate, National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), said the union has completed the strategies to ensure maximum participation of Polytechnics students in the competition.
He said: “In NAPS, we believe in the power of proactive healthcare and knowledge. We are proud to be part of the initiative that seeks to instil health consciousness, encourage research-driven competition, and promote early intervention among our students.”
He was optimistic that the Geneith Health Competition initiative will equip students with lifesaving health education, promote a culture of preventive healthcare, serves as a platform for healthy competition, innovation and youth-driven solutions, and create opportunities for networking mentorship and leadership development.
Josiah Peter Oche, the National President of National Association of University Students (NAUS), said that malaria has continued to be a major public health concern hence the support for the Geneith Health Competition on malaria that will test the knowledge and understanding of students as regards malaria.
“Malaria affects millions of lives each year, but through awareness, education, and action, we can change the narrative. The Geneith Health Competition is not just a challenge. It is a platform for young minds to use creativity and knowledge to raise awareness, inspire communities, and potentially save lives,” he said.
He appreciated Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited for their vision and commitment to students, youth empowerment, and public health. “Together, with the energy and ideas, we can bring malaria awareness to the forefront and take meaningful steps toward its prevention and eradication.”
Similarly, Egunjobi Samuel Oluwaseun, the National President, National Association of Nigeria Colleges of Education Students (NANCES), said the union is inspired and energised by the ongoing nationwide campaign to eradicate malaria in Nigeria.
He said: “The private sector led by the Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited is rising to the occasion of malaria in Nigeria. But the fight can not be won without strong and sustained government leadership.
“We need to double our effort in terms of funding, policy, implementation, and education to ensure that we push malaria out of our campuses, schools, communities, and ultimately, our nation. This is our collaborative responsibility.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Umenwa Emmanuel, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Geneith Pharmaceuticals, in his remarks, stated that the project was developed as a way of supporting the fight against malaria.
“Eliminating this disease in Nigeria will become a realistic goal especially since our target audience, youth and students, are the driving force behind any vision that needs to be realized.”
He restated the dedication and commitment to the competition and underlined the pivotal role young people can play in changing the narrative around public health in the country.
Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of CEO Africa, in his submissions, stated that the Geneith health competition represents a beacon of hope in the battle against malaria, forging a path for youth empowerment and health advocacy.
Prince Ilobanafor who was represented by Abimbola Bowoto, expressed strong support for the Geneith health competition, describing it as a historic milestone in youth engagement. “This initiative was designed to empower the youth and ensure that we can win the fight against malaria in the shortest time possible. The youth are energetic, innovative, and possess the potential to be change-makers,” he said.
He highlighted the alarming statistic that a significant number of Nigerian students visiting health centres do so for malaria treatment, which underscored the urgent need for targeted intervention.
He added: “This program will undoubtedly
empower students to become malaria ambassadors who will advocate for prevention and awareness within their communities.”
A few weeks ago, the Geneith Pharmaceutical company unveiled the health competition programme for primary and secondary students aimed at advocacy and combating malaria in Nigeria.
The company said there was a need to cascade the knowledge of malaria down to the younger generation, hence the route of health competition that will encourage and reward young people who involve themselves in the campaign.
It further stated that the health competition initiative is expected to harness the creativity and passion of young Nigerians in the school system in raising awareness and developing innovative strategies for malaria prevention.
It disclosed that over N1bn has been committed to the programme, N400 million for student prizes, and N600 million for educational materials and gifts for participants across the 36 states and the FCT.
It explained that the process will be quiz format with three categories: Junior Secondary School (JSS), Senior Secondary School (SSS), and Tertiary Institution. The first round will be online for the state level, after which winners will proceed to physical regional-level contests. From there, winners would progress to the regional stage and then to the national finals. Only the top participant in each stage moves to the next.
It further explained that the competition will run on a one-year cycle, with registration starting June 1st and that a 14-member College of Assessors, drawn from various healthcare sectors, will oversee the process.