The National Essay Competition 2025 provides a platform for senior secondary school students across Nigeria to express their ideas, creativity, and understanding of how climate challenges within their communities can be transformed into opportunities for sustainable growth. Through this competition, students are encouraged to think critically, write persuasively, and share innovative solutions that can drive local and national change.
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When is the Application Deadline:
📅 November 14, 2025 (11:59 PM WAT)
Tell Me About the Award:
The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Nigeria, in collaboration with The Sterling Team, invites applications for the 2025 National Essay Competition — a creative platform empowering young Nigerians to become changemakers for the environment and climate action.
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This initiative encourages secondary school students to critically analyze environmental challenges in their communities and propose innovative, sustainable solutions that promote growth and development.
Essay Topic:
📝 “Turning Climate Challenges in My Community into Opportunities for Growth.”
Which Fields are Eligible?
Environmental sustainability, climate change, renewable energy, waste management, community development, and related topics addressing environmental issues in Nigeria.
Type:
🎓 National Essay Competition (Creative Writing & Sustainability Challenge)
Who Can Apply?
✅ Nigerian students currently in SS1 to SS3
✅ Must be enrolled in a public or government-owned secondary school in Nigeria
✅ Only one entry per student/school is allowed
✅ The application form must include accurate contact details of the student’s teacher or principal for verification
How Are Applicants Selected?
✔ Essays will be evaluated for originality, creativity, clarity, and relevance to the theme.
✔ Entries must include a 2–3 minute video presentation of the essay to prove authorship.
✔ Disqualification applies for any AI-generated or plagiarized work.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Nigeria only
Where Will the Award be Taken?
Nigeria — during the National Sustainability Week 2025
How Many Awards?
Three (3) winners will be selected nationwide.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
💰 ₦1,000,000 in total prizes:
🥇 1st Prize – ₦500,000
🥈 2nd Prize – ₦300,000
🥉 3rd Prize – ₦200,000
🎖 Additional Benefits:
- National recognition and media visibility
- Opportunity to feature during National Sustainability Week 2025
- Mentorship and networking with leading sustainability organizations
How Long Will the Award Last?
⏳ The competition and recognition events will run as part of National Sustainability Week 2025.
How to Apply:
- Write a typed, original essay (max 1,000 words) on the given topic.
- Record a 2–3 minute vertical video summarizing your essay.
- Complete the official submission form (available on the competition portal).
- Submit before the deadline: November 14, 2025 (11:59 PM WAT).
🔗 Apply: National Essay Competition 2025 – UN SDSN Youth Nigeria
