The Federal School of Statistics (FSS), Ibadan, has emphasised the importance of youth participation in the national fight against malaria.
The Rector, Mrs. Olugu Mercy Uche, highlighted this during the launch of the Geneith Health Competition (GHC) at the school.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Wednesday in 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 mobilise schools and communities across the country in combating malaria through education, advocacy, and environmental hygiene.
The Rector said, “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.
“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 observed that the initiative strongly aligns with their institutional values and fits seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who is leading the vital effort to deliver 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,” Uche stated.
She further expressed her deepest appreciation to Geneith Pharmaceutical Limited and CEOAFRICA for selecting the institution as a beneficiary of your laudable health intervention project.
She reiterated that the institution is ready 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 on behalf of the students, President of the Student Union Government, Sen. E.K. Olugbuyi, 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. As part of our commitment, we will mobilise all students for weekly sanitation and environmental clean-up, because most of the illnesses treated at our school health centre are malaria-related,” he said.
He also thanked the Rector for her leadership and for allowing students to be part of such a national health movement.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, in his speech, condemned the harmful effects of malaria on society.
He noted that malaria remains one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases in Africa, emphasising that eradicating it requires collective action beyond government intervention.
Ilobanafor said, “Malaria kills silently, yet it is one of the easiest diseases to prevent if we all play our part. 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. The power to end malaria lies in our collective hands,” he emphasised.
Ilobanafor also expressed deep appreciation to the Chairman/CEO of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, 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. With this kind of commitment, we can drastically reduce malaria cases in Nigeria and make a real difference,” he added.
He also 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. 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,” he said.
Ilobanafor explained that the project, organised by CEOAFRICA in partnership with Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, 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.
