The State Government of Osun has called for entries for the 2021 edition of its annual National Essay Competition in commemoration of Nigeria`s Independence Day.
The essay competition is meant for students who are either citizens or residents of the State.
Launched last year, is part of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s education initiative aimed at promoting reading and writing culture, encouraging healthy and intellectual competition amongst secondary schools and tertiary institutions students.
Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Mr Olalekan Badmus, in a press statement on Tuesday, said this year’s edition of the competition has been modified to accommodate students from public and private secondary schools operating and located within the State.
Badmus added that the choice of topics for the 2021edition in both categories was carefully scripted to promote creative and analytical thinking in students while helping them become problem solvers.
The topic for the secondary school students is: “Using SWOT analysis, discuss extensively Osun State 30th Anniversary and the future ahead: My Perspective”. The Entries must not be less than 1,200 words.
For tertiary institutions students, the topic is: “Unveiling the security architecture and daunting challenges in all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria and proffer working solutions towards a peaceful, sustainable and indivisible Nigeria”. Entries must not be less than 1,800 words.
Stating the guideline, Badmus said: “Submissions are open to students who are either citizens or residents of the State of Osun.
“The essay must not be less than 1,200 words for secondary schools students and not less than 1,800 words for tertiary institutions students.
“Entries must be submitted as attachment in Microsoft Word or PDF format only.
“Detailed information of the entrants should be included at the beginning of the essay which must include name, contact address, name of school or institution, email address, phone number.
“All entrants must attach their local government of identification certificate and school identity card.
“There will be a winner, a first runner up, and a second runner up in both categories of the essay competition.
“The category of the entrant should be the subject of the mail. Only one entry is allowed per entrant, multiple entries from the same entrant will lead to disqualification.
Submissions that do not follow the rules and guidelines of the essay competition will be disregarded.
“Only twenty five (25) successful participants will be contacted in each category after thorough scrutiny and assessment by our panelists.
“Entries will be judged on the basis of originality, creativity, good expression of English language and relevance to essay topic.
“Deadline for the submission of all entries is Tuesday, 31st of August, 2021. All entries should be submitted to [email protected]
“The prize presentation day for the essay competition will hold on Friday, 1st of October, 2021
“Just like it was conceptualized from last year, the essay competition is guided by the principle of re-igniting interest for promotion of academic excellence amongst students in both secondary schools and tertiary institution of Osun (Citizens and Residents), equally passionate about the culture of learning and sharing valuable knowledge with emphasis on restoring the lost fortunes of the education sector in Nigeria, encourage and motivate our young and youthful Osun students to lofty heights in every of their dreams, aspirations and future ambitions.”
