The National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), in collaboration with APIN Public Health Initiatives, has intensified efforts to promote voluntary blood donation among young Nigerians through its Secondary School Blood Safety Programme (SSBSP), culminating in the 2026 Annual Secondary Schools Symposium and Quiz Competition held in Abuja.
The event brought together students from more than 20 secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to raise awareness about voluntary non-remunerated blood donation and encourage students to become advocates for safe blood donation within their communities.
The symposium was held under the theme, “Humanity in Action: Building a Generation of Regular Voluntary Blood Donors – My Role as an Advocate,” highlighting the importance of youth participation in promoting a sustainable and safe blood supply system in Nigeria.
Participants were educated on the significance of voluntary blood donation and the need to dispel common misconceptions surrounding the practice. The programme also emphasized the role of young people in creating awareness and influencing positive attitudes toward blood donation.
Speakers at the event noted that while many secondary school students may not yet meet the age requirements for blood donation, they can still contribute meaningfully by educating their peers, families and communities about the life-saving benefits of donating blood.
They encouraged students to begin developing a culture of humanitarian service and prepare themselves to become regular voluntary blood donors once they become eligible.
Representatives from both organizations who addressed participants included Dr. Bunmi Amoo of APIN Public Health Initiatives, Dr. Sani Abubakar of the National Blood Service Agency, and Dr. Titilope Kolade of the NBSA Operational Centre.
As part of activities marking the event, participating schools competed in a quiz competition designed to test their knowledge of blood safety, donation processes and public health issues.
At the end of the contest, Saint Aloysius Secondary School emerged as the overall winner of the quiz competition, while Esteem Boys Academy and Noble Guide Academy secured second and third positions respectively.
In the symposium presentation category, Government Secondary School claimed the first position, followed by Army Day Secondary School in second place, while Government Day Secondary School finished third.
Certificates and awards were presented to outstanding schools in recognition of their participation, commitment and performance throughout the programme.
Organisers described the event as an important platform for nurturing informed and passionate young advocates who can support efforts to improve blood donation awareness across Nigeria.
The programme forms part of NBSA’s broader strategy to ensure a sustainable supply of safe blood by cultivating a new generation of voluntary donors and advocates through education and community engagement.
NBSA and APIN Public Health Initiatives reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships that promote blood safety and encourage greater public participation in voluntary blood donation across the country.