Winners have emerged in the Philip Asiodu Institute’s (PAI) national essay competition for secondary school students, aimed at grooming young talents to make a significant impact and contribute to national development.
The competition, titled: “Encouraging patriotism and nurturing Nigerian leaders of tomorrow,” was to foster leadership among Nigerian youths. The chief examiner, Nurayn Fola Alimi, who is from the Department of English at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), said over 2,000 entries were received, with most of the applicants coming from Lagos. He said the competition criteria focused on content organisation, mechanical accuracy, and expression.
The university teacher said entries, which failed to meet submission guidelines, were disqualified. Of the over 2,000 entries, Alimi said only 17 progressed to the final stage, where participants publicly presented their essays.
While six emerged as finalists, two were eventually chosen as winners in the keenly contested competition. Deputy Director of Education at the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Ronke Matiluku, commended the organisation for the initiative, saying the competition would help in enhancing education standards.
Matiluku also expressed the government’s readiness to partner with agencies and groups passionate about uplifting education quality in the state.
“Essay writing is very essential as it helps students think creatively and exposes them to different aspects of society,” Matiluku said. One of the founders of the institute, Mr Ifeanyi Asiodu, said the competition was to nurture Nigerian youths on the path of true leadership.
He emphasised the institute’s commitment to mentoring and providing resources for future leaders. Chioma Ndigwe of Lagos State Modern College, Badagry, won in the junior category, while Eniola Odujebe of Eva Adelaja Girls Secondary School, Bariga, emerged winner in the senior category.
An elated Ndigwe expressed appreciation to her parents and teachers for their support. Odujebe said despite receiving late notification, she prepared diligently and thanked the organisers for the opportunity. Both winners were rewarded with laptop computers.
