N1.7M Essay Showdown: Students Compete for National Prize

National Essay Competition Sparks Intellectual Discourse Among Nigerian Youth, Offering Substantial Prizes

A significant national essay competition, established to hone the writing prowess and critical thinking abilities of Nigerian students, has announced its latest iteration, inviting secondary school students from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to participate. This year’s competition boasts a total prize pool of N1.7 million, underscoring a commitment to fostering intellectual engagement and rewarding academic excellence.

The Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition, founded in 2004 by Bishop Mike Okonkwo, the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), has consistently aimed to equip young Nigerians with essential skills. Beyond developing strong writing capabilities, the competition encourages participants to delve into and critically analyze contemporary national issues, promoting a generation of informed and articulate citizens.

Key Dates and Submission Guidelines

The window for submitting entries is now open, commencing on March 16 and concluding on June 30, 2026. Aspiring participants are required to craft an essay of no more than 1,200 words. The submission must include comprehensive personal and academic details.

• Required Information for Submission:
  • Full Name
  • Location/Address
  • Telephone Number
  • Class/Age
  • School Name and Location
  • Principal’s Name
  • Principal’s Telephone Number

Submissions can be made electronically to essay@trem.org. Alternatively, hard copies are accepted and can be delivered to the TREM International Headquarters, located at Anthony Oke Bus Stop, Gbagada, Lagos.

Rewarding Excellence: Prizes for Top Performers

The competition recognizes outstanding performance with substantial rewards for both students and their respective institutions. The tiered prize structure is designed to offer significant incentives for academic achievement and dedication.

• The Grand Prize Winner:
  • N800,000 in cash
  • A laptop
  • A plaque
  • The winner’s school will receive a desktop computer and a plaque.

• First Runner-Up:

  • N500,000 in cash
  • A laptop
  • A plaque
  • The first runner-up’s school will also be awarded a desktop computer.

• Second Runner-Up:

  • N400,000 in cash
  • A laptop
  • A plaque
  • The school of the second runner-up will receive a desktop computer.

A Legacy of Intellectual Engagement

Since its inception, the Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition has seen an impressive level of participation, with over 20,000 students having engaged with the initiative throughout its history. This sustained interest highlights the competition’s value in providing a platform for young Nigerians to showcase their analytical and writing skills.

The program is a cornerstone of Bishop Mike Okonkwo’s corporate social responsibility efforts. It is intrinsically linked to his annual birthday celebrations, serving as a vital mechanism for empowering Nigerian students to articulate their thoughts and engage in meaningful intellectual discourse on matters of national importance. Bishop Okonkwo, who has dedicated over three decades to ministry as the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, continues to champion initiatives that contribute to the holistic development of the nation’s youth. The competition not only rewards individual talent but also aims to cultivate a more informed and engaged citizenry for the future.