Atoyebi Adewumi Emerges Winner as Curtains Falls on the 4th National Essay Competition
In its 4th edition, the NEC has become a reputable platform for young minds to critically think and produce thought-provoking essays geared towards the development of self and society.
Atoyebi Adewumi has emerged as the overall winner of the fourth edition of the National Essay Competition (NEC), taking home a ₦5 million prize at the grand finale held on October 22, 2026, at the NAF Centre, Kado, Abuja.
Oguntodu Ayomide and Oni-Titilope Dorcas finished as first and second runners-up, respectively, among the finalists selected from more than 5,000 essay submissions following a series of assessments.
Speaking with Arise TV, Adewumi expressed gratitude to the competition's convener, Foluso Ojo Sylvanus, his team and others who supported the initiative. She also called on the government to support individuals driving educational and intellectual development through projects such as the NEC.
Sylvanus reiterated the need for greater investment in young Nigerians interested in education, critical thinking and writing. He questioned why academic competitions could not attract support comparable to entertainment programmes offering substantial prizes.
“There was a reality show this year that they gave the winner 250 million naira. I don’t see a reason why we cannot encourage those who are going to school. Those who are learning, those who are reading in such way too,” he told Arise TV, urging governments, corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations to support similar initiatives.
The event was chaired by Engr. Nuruddeen Abdurrahman Rafindadi, OFR, who commended the organisers for sustaining the competition and congratulated the finalists on reaching the final stage.
“You have demonstrated the courage to think, to question, to articulate your ideas and to subject them to the scrutiny of others,” Rafindadi told the finalists. He encouraged them to pursue excellence with humility and perseverance and to measure success by the value they contribute to society.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, former chief executive officer of the Presidential CNG Initiative; Professor Borisade Omotoso; and Idris Ayodeji Bello.
Four Days of Learning and Cultural Experiences
The competition's activities began on October 19, when the finalists arrived in Abuja from different parts of Nigeria. The essay-writing exercise took place the following day under the supervision of Professor Omotoso, who served as the competition's umpire.
The two-hour exercise focused on tax reforms in Nigeria, with participants assessed according to established rules and criteria.
Following the exercise, the finalists visited the Nike Art Gallery and Abuja City Gate, where they explored artworks and learned more about the country's artistic and cultural heritage.
On the third day, the group paid courtesy visits to the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Federal Ministry of Education.
At the NADDC, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer Otunba Joseph Osanipin welcomed the finalists and highlighted the council's role in regulating automotive design and supporting the development of Nigeria's automotive industry. He also commended Sylvanus for creating opportunities for young people through the competition.
The finalists later met the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, at the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja. The engagement offered further insight into the role of education and writing in national development.
A cultural night followed, featuring drama, dance and spoken-word performances celebrating Nigeria's diversity. Sylvanus also organised quiz competitions, with cash prizes awarded to winners.
Promoting Critical Thinking Among Young Nigerians
Now in its fourth edition, the National Essay Competition has established itself as a platform for encouraging young Nigerians to develop their writing skills, articulate ideas and engage critically with issues affecting society.
Through its combination of academic competition, institutional visits and cultural activities, the initiative seeks to provide participants with experiences beyond the essay-writing exercise itself.
The organisers have called for greater support from government institutions, businesses and non-governmental organisations to sustain such initiatives and encourage more young Nigerians to pursue education, critical thinking and effective writing.
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