JUSEDI has announced the launch of the JUSEDI Essay Competition 2025, calling on Nigerian law students who are passionate about privacy rights, digital surveillance, and legal innovation to participate. Described as one of the most timely academic opportunities for law undergraduates, the organisation said the competition is designed to help young scholars engage with major issues affecting digital rights and data protection in Nigeria. According to the organisers, “The goal is to empower future legal professionals and spark conversations that can influence policy and advocacy in the digital age.”
The initiative, introduced by the Justice-Shelter Empowerment and Development Initiative, focuses on the theme titled Navigating the Digital Panopticon: The Right to Privacy in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism. JUSEDI explained that the competition will explore how Nigeria’s legal system can respond to growing concerns around big data, corporate tracking, and modern technologies impacting privacy. The group said the topic encourages students to examine challenges linked to digital surveillance, GDPR influences, the Nigerian Data Protection Act, and emerging risks in cybersecurity regulations while offering solutions for protecting personal freedoms.
The official essay topic for this edition expands further into issues around free speech and personal data security, making it relevant for students researching the intersection of privacy law, ethical AI, and consumer protection in the digital economy. JUSEDI stated that the competition is expected to strengthen students’ legal research skills while helping them build portfolios that may support their future applications for internships, clerkships, and other legal scholarships.
The organisers highlighted several benefits, noting that top performers can expect cash prizes and potential scholarships, with comparable contests offering rewards up to ₦500,000. According to JUSEDI, “Winning entries may also be published on our platform and in partner journals, giving students wider recognition in ongoing conversations about digital rights.” Participants will have access to networking opportunities, mentorship from legal experts, and professional development advantages through certificates and community engagement.
Eligibility for the competition is limited to students in 300 to 500 level in recognised Nigerian universities. Applicants must be JUSEDI members, although new participants can join during registration at no additional cost. All essays must be original, unpublished, and written in English. International law students studying in Nigeria are also encouraged to participate.
To complete the application, students are required to submit proof of enrollment, JUSEDI membership confirmation, a 1,500 to 3,000-word essay in Word format with OSCOLA footnotes, a short personal statement, and an optional plagiarism report. All documents must be uploaded through the online portal.
The submission deadline is January 13, 2026, and JUSEDI warned that late entries will not be considered. Organisers advised students to begin researching early on topics such as algorithmic bias and surveillance ethics to prepare strong entries.
Registration takes place on the official website, where applicants can fill out the required form, upload documents, and await evaluation by a panel of legal scholars. Enquiries can be directed to info@justice-shelter.org. Interested students can apply via justice-shelter.org/essay-competition.
