At a time when young people often have to shout just to be heard, platforms that reward intellect rather than influence feel rare and deeply necessary. That is why the NCDMB Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition has grown into more than a contest. It has become one of the few national stages where Nigerian students are seen, celebrated, and challenged to think about the country’s future. The ninth edition reaffirmed that spirit.

Sixteen-year-old Josephine Oyinkansola Akande, a 200-level medical student at Obafemi Awolowo University, has emerged winner of the ninth edition of the NCDMB Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition. The prize-giving ceremony was held at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, where she topped nine other finalists to claim the first prize of ₦1 million and an HP laptop.

The first runner-up, 23-year-old Sonuga Sultan Opeyemi, also a 200-level medical student from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, received ₦700,000 and a laptop. The second runner-up, Amarachi Precious Aguigwe, a 200-level computer science student at the University of Uyo, went home with ₦500,000 and a laptop.

The remaining seven finalists each received an HP laptop and copies of Nigeria’s Local Content: A Journey of Strategic Communication and Economic Transformation, written by Dr Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager, Corporate Communications Division at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the competition is designed to instil local content consciousness in undergraduates and underscore its importance to sustainable economic development. He added that the initiative also promotes liberal arts education and strengthens essential soft skills needed in today’s digital economy, including analytical thinking and problem-solving.

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On this year’s theme, “Sustaining Local Content Policies in the Transitioning Oil and Gas Industry”, Ogbe noted that the conversation is timely, as global debates around energy transition demand that Nigeria craft strategies that secure the nation’s energy future. He commended the programme consultant, Mahogany 21st Century Concepts Limited, and the judges for ensuring a transparent selection process. His remarks were delivered by Mr Teddy Bai, Chief Supervisor, Government Relations.

Earlier, the CEO of Mahogany 21st Century Concepts, Mr Eyinimi Omorozi, praised the NCDMB for sustaining the competition for nine years and thanked the judges for their professionalism. Professor Barclays Ayakoromo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) at the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, who chaired the ceremony, described the initiative as a valuable platform for nurturing writing culture and intellectual engagement among undergraduates.

In his vote of thanks, Dr Ezeobi, represented by Mr Teleola Oyeleke, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring the competition continues to achieve its purpose.

This year’s top 10 finalists came from universities across Nigeria, reflecting a broad pool of young talent. They include Abdullahi Abubakar Lawal (Baze University), Miss God’s Glory Isaiah Iyah (University of Uyo), Usman Mohammed Tahiru (Ahmadu Bello University), Lawal Imran Olayemi (Afe Babalola University), Khadijah O. Ogunleke (Usmanu Danfodio University), Folayemi Halleluyah Idowu (Obafemi Awolowo University), and Maryam Hamzat (Usmanu Danfodio University), alongside the three winners.

The event drew a large turnout of students and academics, reflecting the growing prestige of the competition and the rising drive among young Nigerians to compete and excel on national platforms.

Cynthia Nwanonyiri