Nigeria @ 61: Osun Govt Organises Essay Competition For Undergraduates, Secondary School Students [See How To Apply]

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

Osun State Government has called for entries from undergraduates and students in public and private secondary schools in the state, for an essay competition to mark the 61th Independence anniversary of Nigeria.

CityMirrorNews reports that the 2021 edition would be the second edition of the essay competition organized by the Oyetola administration.

Mr Olalekan Badmus, Osun Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, , announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

The commissioners announced that the topic of the essay, which should not be more than 1,200 words for secondary school students is: “Using SWOT analysis, discuss extensively Osun State 30th Anniversary and the future ahead: My Perspective”

He added that the topic for the tertiary institution is: “Unveiling the security architecture and daunting challenges in all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria and proffer working solutions towards a peaceful, sustainable and indivisible Nigeria” and that their entries must not be less than 1,800 words.

Badmus stated that the essay competition would stimulate reading culture and intellectual competition among the youths and make them better prepared for the future.

The statement reads: “The Ministry of Regional Integration and Special Duties, Osun state has commenced the 2021 edition of its annual National Essay Competition in commemoration of the celebration of Nigeria`s Independence Day 2021 with a call for entries.

“Now in its 2nd year, the essay competition is part of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s education initiative aimed at promoting reading and writing culture, encouraging healthy and intellectual competition amongst secondary schools and tertiary institutions students, engaging them as thinkers and solution providers to Nigeria`s myriad of challenges, which remains one of the core values of Osun`s Omoluabi ethos.

“The students must either be citizens of Osun state or resident within Osun State.

“This year’s edition has been modified to accommodate students from Public and Private Secondary Schools operating and located within Osun state.

“The choice of topics for this year’s edition in both categories was carefully scripted to promote creative and analytical thinking in students while helping them become problem solvers.

“In year 2020, seven hundred and fifty six (756) entries were received from fourty three (43) degree awarding institutions.

“Master Abosede Oyinlola (OAU) came first, while Miss Stella Adewuyi (Adeleke University) and Master Sheriff Adelu (OAU) came first and second runner up respectively.

“The winners were rewarded with cash prizes, plot of land, laptops, iPads, mobile phones from Osun state government, private companies and individuals.

“SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Topic – “Using SWOT analysis, discuss extensively Osun State 30th Anniversary and the future ahead: My Perspective” (Entries MUST NOT be less than 1,200 words)

“TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS STUDENTS
Topic – “Unveiling the security architecture and daunting challenges in all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria and proffer working solutions towards a peaceful, sustainable and indivisible Nigeria” (Entries MUST NOT be less than 1,800 words)

“GUIDELINES AND RULES FOR PARTCIPATION IN THE ESSAY COMPETITION
Submissions are open to students who are either citizens of Osun state or resident in Osun state.

“The essay must not be less than 1,200 words for secondary schools students and not less than 1,800 words for tertiary institutions students.

“Entries must be submitted as attachment in Microsoft Word or PDF format ONLY.

“Detailed information of the entrants should be included at the beginning of the essay which must include name, contact address, name of school or institution, email address, phone number.

“All entrants must attach their local government of identification certificate and school identity card.

“There will be a winner, a first runner up, and a second runner up in both categories of the essay competition.

“The category of the entrant should be the subject of the mail. (SECONDARY SCHOOL or TERTIARY INSTITUTION)
Only one entry is allowed per entrant, multiple entries from the same entrant will lead to disqualification.

“Submissions that do not follow the rules and guidelines of the essay competition will be disregarded.

“Only twenty five (25) successful participants will be contacted in each category after thorough scrutiny and assessment by our panelists.

“Entries will be judged on the basis of originality, creativity, good expression of English language and relevance to essay topic.

“Deadline for the submission of all entries is Tuesday, 31st of August, 2021.

“All entries should be submitted to osunessay2021@osunstate.gov.ng

“The prize presentation day for the essay competition will hold on Friday, 1st of October, 2021.

“Just like it was conceptualized from last year, the essay competition is guided by the principle of re-igniting interest for promotion of academic excellence amongst students in both secondary schools and tertiary institution of Osun state (Citizens and Residents), equally passionate about the culture of learning and sharing valuable knowledge with emphasis on restoring the lost fortunes of the education sector in Nigeria, encourage and motivate our young and youthful Osun students to lofty heights in every of their dreams, aspirations and future ambitions.