The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has announced the launch of the 13th ARSO Continental Essay Competition for the 2025/2026 edition, inviting entries from young African students. The competition is organized by the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) and focuses on the theme, “The Role of Harmonized Standards in Reducing Technical Barriers to Trade and Promoting Fair and Just Trade within Intra-African and Global Trade.”
According to SON, the competition aims to promote understanding of how harmonized standards can support fair and equitable trade across Africa and globally. It provides a platform for young Africans to share their perspectives on standardization and its impact on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The competition is open to students from all African countries under the age of 35 who are currently studying in recognized universities or colleges approved by the relevant commission for university education or its equivalent. SON stated that “participants are expected to write essays in English or French, with a word count between 1000 and 1200 words, using Century Gothic font size 12 and double spacing.”
The organizers have emphasized strict adherence to originality. “Essays that are generated by AI or contain more than 20 percent AI-generated content will be automatically disqualified,” the announcement stated. This policy aligns with the competition’s commitment to academic integrity and creativity.
Winners of the competition will receive cash prizes and international recognition. The first-place winner will receive $1,000, a return ticket to attend the ARSO General Assembly in Uganda in June or July 2026, and recognition during the event. The second-place winner will earn $800, and the third-place winner will receive $500, with both runners-up having their essays published on the official ARSO website.
Each participant is allowed only one essay submission. Essays must be submitted in Microsoft Word format and must include the participant’s full contact details on the first page, along with a brief author profile not exceeding 50 words. A copy of the participant’s identity card or passport, a passport-sized photo, and the completed registration form are required attachments.
SON advised that completed essays and required documents should be sent to umarzainab59@yahoo.com, paul.pankes@son.gov.ng, and pcpankes@yahoo.com before the deadline of February 28, 2026. Participants must also ensure that their registration forms are endorsed by the Head of Department from their respective institutions.