The Federal School of Statistics (FSS), Ibadan, has officially joined the nationwide campaign to eliminate malaria in Nigeria with the launch of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC)— a transformative health initiative designed to empower young people as ambassadors in the fight against malaria.

The flag-off ceremony, held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the institution’s conference room, brought together members of the school management, students, and key stakeholders from the health sector. The event marked another milestone in the ongoing campaign to mobilize schools and communities across the nation in tackling malaria through education, advocacy, and environmental hygiene.

Dignitaries present at the event included Mrs. Olugu Mercy Uche, Rector of the Federal School of Statistics; Dr. K.O. Balogun, Former Rector; Mr. A.F. Fadayomi, Deputy Rector; Mr. T.M. Mosugu, Registrar; Mr. S. Amasoh, Bursar; Mr. M.O. Salisu, Head of Computer Department; Mr. Akinyeke, Principal Lecturer; Mr. R.O. Ojeogun, Dean of Student Affairs; Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, Initiator of GHC and MD/CEO of CEOAFRICA, and Sen. E.K. Olugbuyi, President of the Student Union Government, alongside members of the student executive council.

In her address, the Rector of the Federal School of Statistics, Mrs. Olugu Mercy Uche, expressed deep appreciation to the organizers for selecting the institution as part of the national movement.

“It is with a heart full of gratitude and a profound sense of shared purpose that I, on behalf of the Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeniran Adeyemi Semiu, and the entire academic community of the Federal School of Statistics, Ibadan, extend our deepest appreciation to CEOAFRICA and Geneith Pharmaceutical Limited and for selecting our institution as a beneficiary of your laudable health intervention project,” she said.

“This initiative resonates deeply with our institutional values and aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of our President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who is championing the critical cause of providing quality and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians. By targeting a preventable yet devastating disease like malaria, you are striking at the very core of a major public health challenge, thereby strengthening the foundation of our nation’s well-being.”

Mrs. Olugu further highlighted the importance of youth engagement in the national fight against malaria.

“We are particularly inspired by the vision to enlist our students as ambassadors in the war against malaria. This strategic move goes beyond mere competition; it empowers a generation — instilling in them a sense of civic responsibility and equipping them to be agents of change within their immediate communities and beyond,” she added.

“The fact that this life-saving movement is brought to our students is a gesture of immense generosity and social responsibility. It removes a significant financial barrier to healthcare access and demonstrates a sincere commitment to the welfare of Nigerian youth. We assure you of our full commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of this project.”

She concluded by reiterating the institution’s readiness to drive the initiative to success. “Together, we are going to build a healthier, more productive environment for learning and development,” the Rector affirmed.

Speaking at the event, the Initiator of the competition and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, commended the school’s management for embracing the movement and demonstrating leadership in health advocacy.

“This is more than a competition; it is a call to action, it is a movement” he said. “The Geneith Health Initiative is about saving lives, building leaders, and transforming mindsets. It will not only make students ambassadors of health but also equip them with practical skills in hygiene, advocacy, and community leadership.”

Prince Ilobanafor explained that the project, organized by CEOAFRICA , sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and powered by Coatal Forte softgel is the first of its kind in Africa — an initiative that not only promotes malaria awareness but also empowers students as change agents and Malaria Ambassadors in their schools and communities.

He noted that malaria remains one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases in Africa, stressing that eradicating it requires collective action beyond government intervention.

“Malaria kills silently, yet it is one of the easiest diseases to prevent if we all play our part,” he said. “We cannot continue to wait for the government alone. Every Nigerian has a role to play — from keeping our surroundings clean, to sleeping under treated mosquito nets, and ensuring that drainages are not blocked.”

He urged students to take ownership of their environments through weekly sanitation and continuous awareness creation within their communities.

“When we clear our gutters, cover water containers, and dispose of waste properly, we are not just cleaning our environment — we are saving lives,” he emphasized. “The power to end malaria lies in our collective hands.”

Prince Ilobanafor also expressed deep appreciation to Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman/CEO of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, for his vision and support in funding the project, and to Coatal Forte Softgel for powering the initiative.

“This partnership is a shining example of how private sector leadership can complement government efforts,” he added. “With this kind of commitment, we can drastically reduce malaria cases in Nigeria and make a real difference.”

Speaking on behalf of the students, Sen. E.K. Olugbuyi, President of the Student Union Government, pledged the full support of the student body to the initiative.

“We, the students of the Federal School of Statistics, Ibadan, are ready to actively participate in the Geneith Health Competition and contribute to the fight against malaria,” he said. “As part of our commitment, we will mobilize all students for weekly sanitation and environmental clean-up, because most of the illnesses treated at our school health centre are malaria-related.”

He also thanked the Rector for her leadership and for giving students the opportunity to be part of such a national health movement.

The event ended with a collective pledge by the school community to serve as agents of change and health advocates, spreading the message of malaria prevention and hygiene beyond the campus.