The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has officially launched the 2026 National Essay Competition, inviting young Nigerians to contribute ideas on disaster preparedness, emergency response, and building safer communities.
The competition aims to promote awareness, critical thinking, and youth engagement in disaster risk reduction across Nigeria.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to:
- Secondary School Students
- Students of Tertiary Institutions
- NYSC Emergency Management Vanguards (NYSC-EMVs)
Applicants are expected to submit original essays aligned with their respective categories.
Essay Topics
Participants are required to write on the following topics:
- Secondary School Category: My Role in Disaster Risk Reduction
- Tertiary Institution Category: Climate Change and Disaster Management in Nigeria
- NYSC-EMVs Category: Technology for Disaster Response: Opportunities and Challenges
Each topic is designed to encourage practical thinking and innovative solutions to real-life challenges.
Prizes
Winners of the competition will receive:
- First Prize: ₦500,000 and a trophy
- First Runner-up: ₦300,000
- Second Runner-up: ₦200,000
- Certificates will also be awarded to the top 10 participants
Submission Guidelines
- Essays must be submitted as a Word document
- Font: Times New Roman, Size 12
- Include full name, category, and school or NYSC details
- Only one entry is allowed per participant
- Essays must not exceed 500 words for secondary school category and 1,000 words for other categories
- All entries should be sent to: nemaessay@nema.gov.ng
Application Deadline
The deadline for submission is April 15, 2026.
Why You Should Apply
This competition provides a valuable platform for young Nigerians to showcase their ideas, gain national recognition, and contribute to disaster preparedness efforts in the country. It also offers financial rewards and certificates that can strengthen academic and professional profiles.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline and take advantage of this opportunity to make an impact.
