The Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay Competition (JAME) is an annual national essay competition organised by the Asido Foundation in honour of Jemila Abubakar, its founding Programme Manager, who passed away in 2020.
The competition aims to engage Nigerian undergraduates in mental health advocacy, giving them a platform to express ideas, share perspectives, and promote awareness.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
The 2026 theme is:
“Mental Health and Career Adaptability in a Dynamic Work Environment.”
The competition promotes a mentally healthy society while empowering students with recognition, financial rewards, and mentorship.
Read Also:
- PalmPay Flagship Scholarship Programme 2025 for Bayero University Kano (BUK) Students — ₦500,000 Award for 20 Students
- The US and Canada are losing international students to Asia and Europe
- The King’s Foundation Oxford DPhil Scholarships 2026/2027 (Nature, Health & Wellbeing Research Opportunity at the University of Oxford)
- NOVA Bank Graduate Trainee Program 2026 | Launch Your Banking Career in Nigeria
- Rise Academy Tech Internship Program 2025 | Paid Tech Training for Young Africans
- How to Apply for Bachelors and Masters Programmes at the University of Luxembourg: A Step-by-Step Guide
When is the Application Deadline:
14th December, 2025 (11:59pm).
Which Fields Are Eligible?
Open to undergraduates in any course of study at a Nigerian tertiary institution.
Type:
- Essay Competition
- Mental Health Advocacy
- Undergraduate Engagement Programme
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be an undergraduate in a Nigerian tertiary institution
- Provide proof of studentship
- Sign the Asido Foundation Unashamed Pledge (asidofoundation.com/unashamed)
- Submit all required documents (photo, proof of studentship, pledge certificate)
How Are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Relevance to the theme
- Originality, depth, and clarity of ideas
- Quality of writing and argument
- Proper structure, grammar, and compliance with word limits
- No plagiarism or AI-generated content (automatic disqualification)
Top entries are reviewed by a panel of mental health experts and essay evaluators.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Nigeria only
Where Will the Award be Taken?
- Award Ceremony: 25th February 2026
- Venue: International Conference Center, University of Ibadan, Ibadan
- Top 3 winners must attend physically.
How Many Awards?
- Top 15 winners receive certificates & mentorship
- Top 3 winners receive cash prizes
What is the Benefit of the Competition?
- ₦450,000 total prize money
- 1st Place: ₦200,000
- 2nd Place: ₦150,000
- 3rd Place: ₦100,000
- Certificate of achievement
- Admission into the JAME Fellowship Programme (mentorship for top 15)
- National recognition
- Opportunity to contribute to mental health advocacy
How Long Will the Competition Last?
- Submission window: 14 November – 14 December 2025
- Winners announced: January 2026 (IMCE Edition)
- Award ceremony: February 25, 2026
How to Apply:
- Write an original essay (750–1000 words)
- Save in Microsoft Word (.doc) format
- Sign the Unashamed Pledge and download your certificate
- Prepare the following for upload:
- Recent passport photograph (scanned)
- Proof of studentship
- Certificate of Unashamed Pledge
- Submit your essay via the official application link
👉 Visit the Competition Webpage for Full Details & Submission
