By Huldah Shado and Merciful Omoba
The third edition of the National Essay Competition is underway today in Abuja, where 26 finalists are competing for the grand prize of N10 million.
The contestants, drawn from across the country, settled into the Abuja City Journal Hall early this morning as the competition commenced under strict examination conditions.
Each participant was allotted 1 hour and 30 minutes to write their essay, which will be evaluated by a panel of distinguished judges.
Organisers described this year’s edition as the most competitive yet, noting that the rising number of entries reflects the growing national interest in academic contests of this scale.
The serene atmosphere of the hall, known for hosting major intellectual and civic events in the FCT, provided a conducive environment for the students to demonstrate their writing and critical-thinking skills.
Now in its third year, the National Essay Competition has earned a reputation for promoting academic excellence, inspiring creativity, and empowering young Nigerians with opportunities for intellectual growth.
As today’s finalists write for the coveted N10 million prize, anticipation continues to build among parents, educators, and stakeholders who are eager to see which students will emerge at the top.
The organisers are expected to announce the winners after a careful evaluation of all submitted essays, marking another significant milestone in the competition’s drive to nurture the nation’s brightest young minds.
The atmosphere was that of focused and discipline as the finalists completed the last step in their journey toward securing the coveted national prize.
Before entering the hall, participants were warned not to take in any items that could raise suspicion of cheating, even as they emphasized that maintaining the integrity of the competition was a top priority, and any breach would lead to immediate disqualification.
The examination began at exactly 12:55 p.m. and ended by 2:25 p.m.
