Beyond the ₦1bn prize: How GHC is inspiring a new generation to fight malaria

Students prepare for a contest with a wider mission

For thousands of Nigerian students, the countdown to October 30, 2026, has become more than preparation for another academic competition. Organisers say it is also a build-up to a broader movement aimed at confronting one of the country’s most persistent public health challenges, malaria.

Across classrooms, libraries and study groups, students are devoting extra hours to research, health education and critical thinking as anticipation grows for the Geneith Health Competition, GHC. The nationwide initiative is being positioned by its organisers as a platform that is reshaping youth participation in healthcare advocacy.

With a ₦1 billion prize package on offer, the competition has attracted significant attention. Organisers, however, say the main value of the initiative goes beyond cash rewards, scholarships and educational materials, focusing instead on building a generation that understands the life-saving power of knowledge.

As the national contest approaches, the Managing Director of CEOAFRICA and initiator of the competition, Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, said the final stretch before the event would be critical for participants.

Champions are made now, in the quiet hours of disciplined study, consistent research and focused preparation. This competition is more than an examination; it is an opportunity to become ambassadors for healthcare advancement in Nigeria,

— Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, Managing Director, CEOAFRICA

A national movement against malaria

Organised by CEOAFRICA, sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, the Geneith Health Competition has grown beyond the framework of a quiz or academic contest. Its stated mission centres on combating malaria through education, innovation, advocacy and youth engagement.

The initiative has also received the endorsement of the Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, a development organisers say has strengthened its credibility as a platform for public health education.

Prince Iloabanafor said the level of response from students across the country shows that many young people are willing to take part in national development when given the opportunity.

The Geneith Health Competition has grown into a powerful national movement. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by students across Nigeria demonstrate that the next generation is prepared to become part of lasting healthcare solutions. Beyond winning prizes, this competition is about building informed young leaders who will champion the fight against malaria.

— Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, Managing Director, CEOAFRICA

Organisers say the programme is intended to place students at the centre of conversations about Nigeria’s healthcare future, not only as beneficiaries of interventions but also as contributors to long-term solutions.

Organisers position youth as drivers of change

Nigeria continues to carry one of the highest malaria burdens in the world. Organisers of the competition say the disease has for decades disrupted education, reduced productivity and claimed lives, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups.

Against that backdrop, they argue that medicines alone are not enough to end the crisis. In their view, awareness, education and active community participation remain essential tools in the effort to eliminate malaria.

Prince Iloabanafor said young people are already showing the capacity to lead and make meaningful contributions.

>> "Our children and youths are no longer merely the leaders of tomorrow, they are already making an impact today. By participating in this competition, you are helping to reshape Nigeria's healthcare future.

Approach this opportunity with confidence, discipline and determination, knowing that your knowledge can make a real difference." - Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, Managing Director, CEOAFRICA

Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, also said the country’s fight against malaria would require the creativity and energy of younger Nigerians. He described malaria as one of Nigeria’s most persistent public health threats and urged participants to see themselves as future changemakers.

Malaria continues to claim lives and limit the potential of millions of Nigerians. The younger generation possesses the energy, innovation and digital skills needed to drive sustainable change. This is your opportunity to become champions for healthier communities and build the healthier Nigeria we all desire.

— Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman, Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited

Schools urged to support participation

Beyond individual students, organisers are calling on school administrators across Nigeria to ensure that every qualified student has the chance to participate in the competition. They say support from schools will be important to widening access and strengthening the initiative’s national reach.

Prince Iloabanafor appealed to schools to treat the programme as a national movement that combines education with healthcare advocacy.

We encourage schools across Nigeria to register their students and support this national movement that combines education with healthcare advocacy. Every eligible child deserves the opportunity to participate,

— Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, Managing Director, CEOAFRICA

Students have also been advised to monitor their emails and the official competition website for updates on schedules, venues and other guidelines. Organisers added that project activators visiting schools are expected to wear official identification as part of efforts to promote transparency.

They say participants are expected to emerge not only with certificates and prizes, but also as community-based Malaria Ambassadors who can encourage healthier lifestyles and preventive practices in their schools, families and communities.

Prize package and long-term investment

Organisers say the ₦1 billion prize package should be seen not simply as an incentive, but as an investment in Nigeria’s future. The package includes cash rewards, scholarships, training opportunities and educational materials intended to reward excellence and support deserving students in their academic pursuits.

Chief Umenwa said the broader objective is to build human capital by equipping young Nigerians to become problem-solvers and future healthcare leaders.

Our vision is to empower young Nigerians to become problem-solvers and future healthcare leaders through innovation and education. We remain committed to our guiding theme of Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite and Stay Committed.

— Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman, Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited

As registration continues and schools intensify preparations ahead of October 30, anticipation is growing around the competition. Stakeholders in the health and education sectors have continued to commend the initiative as a blend of academic excellence, youth empowerment and public health advocacy.

For many students, organisers say, the journey is already about more than prizes. It is about gaining knowledge that could help improve lives and contribute to efforts to reduce the burden of malaria in communities across Nigeria.