Rector Highlights Role of Youth in the Fight Against Malaria

Rector Highlights Role of Youth in the Fight Against Malaria

The Rector of the Federal School of Statistics, Ibadan, Mrs. Olugu Mercy Uche, has emphasized the critical role of youth in combating malaria during the launch of the Geneith Health Competition at the institution. The event, held in the school’s conference room, brought together management staff, students, and stakeholders from the health sector, marking a significant milestone in raising awareness and promoting action against malaria.

Empowering Students as Health Ambassadors

Mrs. Uche described the initiative as more than just a competition. She stated that it empowers students to become ambassadors in the fight against malaria, instilling a sense of civic responsibility and equipping them to create meaningful change in their communities.

She said, “This initiative removes a significant barrier to healthcare access for our students while demonstrating a genuine commitment to their welfare. It aligns perfectly with our institutional values and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is championing quality and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians.”

The Rector reiterated the school’s commitment to ensuring the success of the program, noting that collaborative efforts would help build a healthier and more productive environment for learning.

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Students Committed to Community Action

Speaking on behalf of the student body, President of the Student Union Government, Senator E.K. Olugbuyi, pledged full participation in the initiative. He explained that students would mobilize weekly for sanitation and environmental clean-up, noting that many illnesses treated at the school health center are malaria related.

Olugbuyi expressed gratitude to the Rector for her leadership and for including students in such a national health effort, describing the initiative as a chance to make a tangible difference.

The Private Sector Leading the Way

Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CEOAFRICA, highlighted the devastating yet preventable nature of malaria in Africa. He emphasized that ending malaria requires collective action, extending beyond government intervention.

He said, “Malaria kills silently, but it is preventable if we all take responsibility. Every Nigerian has a role, from keeping surroundings clean to using treated mosquito nets and ensuring proper drainage. The power to end malaria lies in our hands.”

Ilobanafor urged students to take ownership of their environment through regular sanitation and awareness campaigns, noting that small daily actions such as clearing gutters and disposing of waste properly can save countless lives.

He also commended Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and Coatal Forte Softgel for supporting the initiative and providing the resources to make the project successful.

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A First of Its Kind in Africa

The Rector and organizers noted that the Geneith Health Initiative, organized by CEOAFRICA in partnership with Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, is the first program of its kind in Africa. The initiative combines awareness campaigns with practical action, empowering students as malaria ambassadors in their schools and communities.

Ilobanafor described the program as a movement, not just a competition, emphasizing that it equips students with essential skills in health advocacy, hygiene, and leadership. He stated, “This initiative is about saving lives, building leaders, and transforming mindsets. Students will leave not only as ambassadors of health but as agents of change in their communities.”

Creating Lasting Impact

The Geneith Health Competition represents a model of how partnerships between the private sector, educational institutions, and government programs can make a real difference in public health. By engaging young people in proactive health campaigns, the initiative seeks to reduce malaria cases significantly and foster a culture of responsibility and civic engagement.

With the full support of the school, students, and partners, the Rector affirmed that the program has the potential to inspire similar initiatives nationwide, strengthening Nigeria’s fight against malaria and empowering youth to lead change in their communities.

 

 

Content Credit: Ohidah Oluwaferanmi

Image Credit: The guardian.com