Sixteen-year-old Josephine Oyinkansola Akande of Obafemi Awolowo University has emerged as the overall winner of the 9th NCDMB Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition, held on Friday at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa. The 200-level medical student from Osun State outperformed nine other finalists to claim the top prize of one million naira, an HP laptop, and other items. The competition, known for attracting high-performing students nationwide, continues to grow in visibility as a youth development and education support initiative.
The first runner-up, twenty-three-year-old Sonuga Sultan Opeyemi, also a 200-level medical student from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, received seven hundred thousand naira and an HP laptop. The second runner-up, Miss Amarachi Precious Aguigwe, a 200-level computer science student from the University of Uyo, got five hundred thousand naira and an HP laptop. Seven other finalists each received an HP laptop as a consolation prize. All ten finalists were also presented with copies of Nigeria’s Local Content: A Journey of Strategic Communication and Economic Transformation, written by Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, the General Manager of the Corporate Communications Division of the Board.
In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the Board supports the competition “to inculcate local content consciousness among undergraduates in our higher institutions” and to highlight that local content is an economic imperative for sustainable development. He explained that the competition also aims to promote liberal arts education and strengthen soft skills that are crucial in the digital economy. According to him, “Analytical and critical thinking skills as well as problem-solving ability would also be enhanced in exercises of this nature.”
Speaking on the theme for the 2025 competition, Sustaining Local Content Policies in the Transitioning Oil and Gas Industry, he described it as timely due to global interest in energy transition. He added that Nigeria must adopt the right strategies to safeguard energy security. He commended Mahogany 21st Century Concepts Limited, the programme consultant, as well as the judges for a transparent and credible selection process. Represented by the Chief Supervisor for Government Relations, Mr. Teddy Bai, he congratulated all participants and encouraged students to stay focused on their academic goals and personal growth.
In his welcome address, the chief executive officer of Mahogany 21st Century Concepts, Mr. Eyinimi Omorozi, praised the NCDMB for maintaining its commitment to the competition, which is now in its ninth year. He acknowledged the professionalism of the judges and thanked the students for the effort and creativity displayed in their submissions. The chairman of the ceremony, Professor Barclays Ayakoromo, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academics at the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, appreciated the Board for encouraging writing culture and intellectual engagement among university students.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, represented by Mr. Teleola Oyeleke, applauded the programme consultant for upholding the high standards the competition is known for. He congratulated the finalists, especially the top three, urging them to maintain their excellence. He assured the audience that the NCDMB would continue supporting initiatives that promote education, innovation, and human capacity development in Nigeria.
The event was attended by a large number of students from various tertiary institutions. The top ten finalists were Abdullahi Abubakar Lawal, a 200-level computer science student of Baze University; Sonuga Sultan Opeyemi, first runner-up; Miss God’s Glory Isaiah Iyah, a 17-year-old student from the University of Uyo; and Usman Mohammed Tahiru, a 200-level electrical engineering student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Others included Lawal Imran Olayemi, a 16-year-old 200-level student of medicine and surgery from Afe Babalola University; Khadijah O. Ogunleke, a 200-level pharmacy student from Usman Danfodio University; Amarachi Precious Aguigwe, second runner-up; Josephine O. Akande, overall winner; Folayemi Halleluyah Idowu, a 200-level pharmacy student of Obafemi Awolowo University; and Maryam Hamzat, a 200-level pharmacy student from Usmanu Danfodio University.
