The 20th edition of the Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for secondary school students in Nigeria has been announced, with a total cash prize of N2 million, along with laptops and desktop computers, up for grabs.
This year’s competition is particularly significant as it coincides with the 80th birthday of Dr. Mike Okonkwo, the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) and founder of the contest.
Interested students have until June 20 to submit their essays on the theme “The Nigeria of Our Dreams: Today’s Reality and a Responsible Pathfinder.” Entries should not exceed 1,200 words and must be submitted in a Word document format via email to [email protected], including personal and school details.
According to a statement signed by Rev. Anthony Samuel of the Corporate Affairs Department, this year’s edition comes with enhanced prizes. The winner will receive N1,000,000, a laptop, and a plaque, while their school will be awarded a desktop computer and a trophy. The first and second runners-up will also receive cash prizes of N600,000 and N400,000, respectively, along with laptops, plaques, and desktop computers for their schools.
Dr. Okonkwo highlighted the competition’s role in shaping young minds and encouraging students to think critically about governance, leadership, and national development. He emphasized that for two decades, the platform has inspired students and contributed to national discourse. As he celebrates his 80th birthday, he reaffirmed his belief that young people hold the key to Nigeria’s transformation.
