By Adufe Azeez
Entries have opened for the 2025 edition of the Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for secondary school students across Nigeria, with a grand prize of N1 million for the top winner.
Now in its 20th year, the competition encourages critical thinking among young Nigerians by engaging them in discussions on national issues.
The theme for this year’s edition is “The Nigeria of Our Dreams: Today’s Reality and a Responsible Pathfinder.”
Entries will be accepted from March 17 to June 20, 2025.
According to a statement signed by Reverend Anthony Samuel of the Corporate Affairs Department, students must submit essays of no more than 1,200 words in a Word document format via email to essay@trem.org.
Each entry must include the student’s full name, address, telephone number, school name, class, and the principal’s contact details.
Cash Prizes and Recognition
The competition rewards outstanding students and their schools. The first-place winner will receive N1 million and a plaque, while their school will be awarded a laptop, desktop computer, and a trophy.
The second-place winner will take home N600,000, a laptop, and a plaque, with their school receiving a desktop computer.
The third-place winner will get N400,000, a laptop, and a plaque, while their school will also be given a desktop computer.
Legacy of Academic Excellence
The Mike Okonkwo Essay Competition has grown into a major platform for young Nigerians to articulate their thoughts on national development.
Past editions have tackled pressing societal issues, with themes like “Nigerianization of Nigerians: A Look Inward” in 2023 and “Nigeria’s Pathways: Diagnosis and The Prescriptions” in 2024.
Last year, the competition received 551 entries, but 341 were disqualified due to infractions.
Flourish Olaoye of Christ the King International School, Gbagada, Lagos, emerged as the overall winner, with Nora Femi-Lawal of Chrisland High School, Lekki, and Olayimika Durotimi of Corona Secondary School, Agbara, securing second and third place, respectively.
Beyond the Competition
The competition is part of the broader educational and social impact initiatives of its founder, Bishop Mike Okonkwo.
It coincides with the Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture, a forum that gathers thought leaders to discuss national challenges and policy solutions.
With this year’s theme focusing on Nigeria’s future and leadership responsibility, the competition aims to inspire young minds to contribute meaningfully to national discourse.
