Essay competitions do more than test your writing skills. They push you to think critically, connect ideas to real-world issues, and present your arguments with clarity.
Winning one isn’t just about the prize money — it’s about recognition, exposure, and a boost to your academic and career journey. If you’re looking for opportunities to stand out, here are three essay competitions in 2025 you should not miss.
1. The Concept Intercollegiate Medical Essay Competition 2025
Category: Essay Contest | Medical Students
Reward: ₦1,000,000 + $1,000 USMLE Prep (1st Prize)
Deadline: September 25, 2025
Apply: Fill in Concept Academy Form
The Concept Academy runs this annual medical essay competition to spotlight the voices of medical students in Nigeria. It’s a platform to share ideas on the future of medical education while competing for substantial cash awards and exam prep resources.
Essay Topic:
“The Future of Medical Education in Nigeria in the Light of Evolving Career Dynamics”
What makes it worth applying for?
- ₦1,000,000 cash prize for the top winner
- USMLE prep resources worth $1,000 for the top 3 winners
- Recognition across Nigeria’s medical education community
- Chance to showcase your ideas on how to shape the future of healthcare training
- Top 10 winners share prizes worth over $10,000
Eligibility criteria:
- Open to all students of Medicine and Surgery in accredited Nigerian universities
- Only one entry per applicant
- Essay must be max 1,000 words in PDF or Word format
Key tip:
Go beyond theory. Judges look for essays that combine a clear vision with practical, actionable ideas. Back up your arguments with data, examples, or global best practices — this shows you’re not just thinking like a student, but like a future leader in healthcare.
2. OID Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition 2025
Category: Essay Contest | Undergraduate
Reward: Up to ₦1,000,000 + Leadership Academy Training
Deadline: October 15, 2025
Apply: Submit via email → essay@omituntunindiaspora.org
The Omituntun Initiative in Diaspora (OID) is hosting the 2025 Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition, designed to promote youth innovation, sustainability, and civic leadership. Open to students from Oyo State, this contest gives young thinkers the opportunity to propose bold solutions for local and global challenges.
Essay Topics (choose one):
- Redefining the Future: The Role of Youth in Advancing Artificial Intelligence and Technological Innovation for Oyo State’s Development
- Reimagining Agriculture in Oyo State: Climate-Smart Farming, Food Security, and Progress Toward the SDGs
- From State to Nation to Globe: Catalysing a Sustainable Future through Leadership, Youth Innovation, and Civic Engagement
- Greening the Economy: Mobilising Community Action and Clean Energy Solutions for Environmental Sustainability
What makes it worth applying for?
- ₦1,000,000 cash prize for the top winner
- ₦500,000 and ₦250,000 for 2nd and 3rd place
- Top 50 participants receive sponsorship for OID Leadership Academy training
- Official certificate from OID Global for standout participants
- Recognition for original, practical solutions tailored to Oyo State’s development
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be a resident or indigene of Oyo State
- Must be enrolled in a recognized Nigerian institution
- Age: 18–35 years
- Essays must be 1,000–1,500 words in English, submitted in Word format
- Plagiarism or AI-generated content leads to disqualification
Key tip:
When choosing your topic, ground your ideas in Oyo State’s real challenges. Judges value essays that reference existing projects, policies, or local realities. Show creativity, but tie your vision to actionable strategies that could actually work in the state.
3. Foundation Chambers Annual Essay Competition 2025
Category: Essay Contest | Undergraduate (Law)
Reward: Up to ₦250,000 + Internship + Publication
Deadline: September 15, 2025
Apply: Submit via email → info@foundationchambers.com
Foundation Chambers invites undergraduate law students across Nigeria to participate in its Annual Essay Competition. This year’s theme focuses on the “Challenges and Prospects of Maritime Arbitration in Nigeria”, giving law students a chance to sharpen their research and writing skills while engaging with a vital area of legal practice.
What makes it worth applying for?
- First Prize: ₦250,000 + internship opportunity + complimentary maritime law book + publication of essay
- Second Prize: ₦150,000 + internship + complimentary maritime law book
- Third Prize: ₦100,000 + complimentary maritime law book
- A chance to get published and gain early recognition in maritime law — a fast-growing area in Nigeria’s legal sector
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be an undergraduate student of law in a recognized Nigerian institution
- Essays must be original work, written in English, and no more than 3,000 words
- Formatting: Times New Roman, size 12, double-spaced
- Referencing style: OSCOLA (Oxford University Standard for the Citation of Legal Authorities)
- Essay must include title, applicant’s name, contact details, and word count on the first page
Key tip:
Show a clear balance between challenges and practical solutions. Don’t just describe issues in maritime arbitration — propose realistic reforms, draw from Nigerian case studies, and demonstrate awareness of global practices. Judges are looking for depth, originality, and strong legal reasoning.
Your First Draft to Victory Begins Now
These essay competitions aren’t just about writing — they’re about positioning yourself as someone with vision, leadership, and academic strength. The rewards go beyond cash prizes as they open doors to internships, recognition, and long-term opportunities.
And to really take advantage of those opportunities, you need to be at the top of your game academically. Strong grades and sharp thinking are what set you apart long after the competition ends.
That’s where Distinction.app comes in. With keypoint summaries, flashcards, and practice testing, you’ll not only master your coursework but also build the academic foundation to seize every opportunity that comes your way.
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