The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has announced the 2026 edition of its Inter-Tertiary Environmental Sustainability Summit 2.0, calling on students across tertiary institutions in Lagos State to participate in a state-wide essay and debate competition focused on environmental challenges.
The initiative is part of efforts by the Lagos State Government to engage young people in policy conversations around pollution and sustainable development, particularly as the state continues to deal with cross-border environmental pressures.
At the centre of this year’s competition is a theme that reflects growing concerns about pollution that extends beyond geographical boundaries.
Theme and focus
Participants are expected to write on:
“Combatting Transboundary Pollution in Lagos State; A City-Level Intervention or National Efforts?”
LASEPA said the topic is designed to encourage students to critically examine whether solutions to pollution affecting Lagos should be handled at the state level or require broader national coordination.
Given Lagos’ coastal location and its position as a major economic hub, the agency noted that pollution often flows across borders, making it a shared challenge beyond just one state.
Applicants are expected to present clear, practical, and innovative ideas that can help address these environmental issues.
Eligibility and submission guidelines
The competition is open strictly to undergraduate students enrolled in recognised tertiary institutions within Lagos State, including both public and private schools.
To ensure fairness and quality, LASEPA outlined the following requirements:
- Essays must directly address the competition theme
- Submissions must be original and written in English
- Minimum word count: 1000 words
- Maximum word count: 1500 words
- Font requirement: Times New Roman, size 12, double-spaced
- Only one entry per participant is allowed
- Personal details must not be included in the essay document
All participant information will instead be collected through the official submission form to maintain impartiality during the evaluation process.
Deadline and selection process
Submission for the essay competition closes on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Following the review process, the top 10 shortlisted candidates will advance to a live debate session at the grand finale of the summit, where they will further defend their ideas on the same topic.
The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja.
Prizes and incentives
Winners of the competition will receive cash rewards, with LASEPA confirming the following prize structure:
- ₦2,000,000 for 1st place
- ₦1,000,000 for 2nd place
- ₦500,000 for 3rd place
Other finalists will also receive consolation prizes.
Beyond the financial rewards, participants are expected to gain visibility, policy exposure, and the opportunity to contribute ideas that could influence environmental strategies within the state.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are required to complete their submission via the official link: https://forms.gle/n2DXZtXEofLJ2iuo6.
