The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has stressed the need to instil health consciousness, encourage research-driven competition and promote early intervention among students in the country.
NAPS President, Oyewumi Ayomide, who made the call at a joint press conference organised in collaboration with the National Association of University Students and National Association Nigerian of College of Education Students (NANCES) in support of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) in Abuja, advised Nigerian students to take charge of their health.
Ayomide emphasised that “a healthy student is a stronger leader tomorrow, stated that if we must build Nigeria of our dreams, we must begin by nurturing the minds and bodies of those who will lead it.”
He called for collective commitment to the health and holistic development of students from the Junior Secondary Schools to tertiary institutions.
Ayomide further urged students, especially those from polytechnics to key into the competition with full enthusiasm, participate, and learn. “This is not just about a competition is about empowering a generation that is sound in mind, body, and spirit.
“The Geneith Health Competition initiative comes with immense benefits, it will equip our students with lifesaving health education, promote a culture of preventive healthcare, serve as a platform for healthy competition, innovation and youth-driven solutions and create opportunities for networking, mentorship, and leadership development.
Also speaking, NANCES President, Samuel Oluwasegun, said that malaria remains a major public health challenge that claims lives, drains productivity, and hinders the educational performance of students across campuses and communities.
He observed that students are inspired and energised by the ongoing nationwide campaign to eradicate malaria, and commended Bola Tinubu administration for its commitment and initiatives to improve the health and well-being of Nigerians.
He said, “We cannot fail to mention and specially appreciate CEOAFRICA the initiator of Geneith Health Competition and the sponsor Geneith Pharmaceutical Limited, which is being powered by Costal Forte Softgel who have not only supported but generously sponsored the anti-malaria campaign across our tertiary institutions and secondary schools nationwide”.
Oluwasegun noted that the competition for students of tertiary institutions aims to increase awareness, promote research, and encourage innovation in tackling public health issues, especially malaria and encouraged all students to participate actively and be part of the solution.
He stated that the fight against malaria cannot be won without strong and sustained government leadership and highlighted the need for increased funding and strong policy, as well as implementation to eradicate malaria in campuses, schools, communities, and the country.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceutical Limited, Mr Emmanuel Umenwa, said that the health competition marks the beginning of a new era of health awareness and student-driven impact across Nigeria.
Umenwa called on polytechnic, universities, colleges of education and secondary school students to take the competition project to the greater height.
