The race for Nigeria’s biggest school-based health advocacy competition is gaining momentum as three leading institutions have registered for the Geneith Health Competition (GHC): Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha; St. Patrick’s College, Asaba; and Muwanshat International Academy, Jalingo. All three schools say they are ready to compete for national honors and a share of the over ₦1 billion prize package.
Their entry marks another major milestone for the nationwide initiative, which is fast becoming both an academic contest and a platform for grooming young health advocates focused on malaria elimination and healthier communities.
The latest registrations followed sensitization visits by GHC activators across the country. In Taraba State, Regional Health Activator, Abduljalilu Sani Garba, visited Muwanshat International Academy, Jalingo. He was received by the school management and students who expressed strong interest in representing Northern Nigeria. Garba commended the school’s academic culture, noting the students’ enthusiasm and readiness to take part in health advocacy.
In the South-East, Regional Health Activator, Mrs. Chinyere Chidimma Olisa, visited the historic Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha. She praised the school’s discipline and academic heritage, adding that students showed strong intellectual curiosity and competitive spirit. She expressed confidence that DMGS would be a top contender at the national finals.
School administrators described the competition as a timely initiative that links education with public health, while helping students build leadership, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
Welcoming GHC to DMGS, Principal Rev. Dr. Chiemezie Ogidi, applauded the organizers for empowering students to tackle one of Nigeria’s biggest public health challenges. “Malaria continues to keep many students out of class. This program turns young people from victims into advocates for its elimination,” he said. He assured that DMGS would provide full academic support and mentorship to participants.
Managing Director of CEOAFRICA and GHC initiator, Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, said the participation of respected schools from the South-East, South-South, and North-East shows growing national acceptance. He explained that the competition was created to address how malaria affects students’ learning and to raise informed youth leaders. “The Geneith Health Competition is now a national movement. It is about raising health ambassadors who know that preventing malaria starts with knowledge and community action,” he stated.
He urged schools to prepare well and use only official channels for information. He also directed all GHC activators to wear approved ID during school visits.
Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd and sponsor, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, called on Nigerian youths to lead the fight against malaria. He noted that the competition will be held annually and will later expand to cover other public health issues.
Organized by CEOAFRICA, sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, the Geneith Health Competition is endorsed by the Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
It is open to students in Junior Secondary, Senior Secondary, and Tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The contest runs in three stages: State, Regional, and National Finals. Students will first take an online qualifying test, then advance to state and regional competitions before the grand finale.
Prizes worth over ₦1 billion have been announced, including cash, scholarships, educational materials, healthcare products, training, and certificates.
With top schools now on board, the Geneith Health Competition is positioning itself as one of Nigeria’s most impactful youth-driven initiatives, combining academic excellence with a national campaign to end malaria.
