16-Year-Old Medical Student Wins NCDMB Essay Competition
A 16-year-old medical student from Obafemi Awolowo University has made history by winning the 2025 edition of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition. Akande Oyinkansola Josephine, a 200-level student, emerged as the overall winner, showcasing exceptional talent and insight on the competition’s theme: “Sustaining Local Content Policies in the Transitioning Oil and Gas Industry.”
The grand finale of the ninth edition of the competition took place on Thursday at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Akande was awarded a grand prize of N1 million, a brand-new laptop, and a plaque for her outstanding essay.
The second prize went to Sonuga Sultan Opeyemi, a 23-year-old medical student from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. She received N700,000, a new laptop, and a plaque. The third prize was won by Aguigwe Precious Amarachi, a 19-year-old Computer Science student from the University of Uyo, who was awarded N500,000 and a new laptop.
NCDMB’s Commitment to Capacity Building
During the event, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, highlighted the significance of the competition as one of the board’s key initiatives. He emphasized that the program is designed to build capacity and engage stakeholders effectively.
Ogbe, who was represented by General Manager, Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, explained that the competition aims to raise awareness about local content among undergraduates and promote intellectual growth. He added that the initiative helps students understand the role of local content in driving economic development, job creation, industrial growth, and national security.
He further stated that the program seeks to enhance communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students while preparing them for the demands of the modern digital economy.
Progress and Future Goals
Ogbe also shared updates on the NCDMB’s progress in implementing its 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, which is currently at 56 percent completion. He praised the recent launch of the “Back to the Creek Initiative,” aimed at supporting local communities and discovering indigenous talents.
While commending the transparency in selecting the winners, Ogbe expressed gratitude to the assessors, stating that every project associated with NCDMB must be excellent, professional, and world-class. He described the essay topic as timely, aligning with ongoing national discussions on energy transition and capacity development.
Remarks from University Leaders
The Chairman of the event, Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, commended NCDMB for organizing the competition. However, he expressed disappointment that no student from Bayelsa State made it to the top 10 finalists. He urged NCDMB to consider awarding consolation prizes to other participants in future competitions.
In his welcome address, Eyinimi Omorozi, consultant to NCDMB on the essay competition, praised the top 10 finalists for their brilliance and discipline. He noted that the board has consistently promoted academic excellence and capacity-building through the competition.
Finalists and Their Achievements
The 10 finalists were selected from a shortlist of 50 students who submitted essays across the country. The remaining finalists included:
- Folayemi Idowu (OAU) in fourth place
- Usman Tahiru (Ahmadu Bello University)
- Maryam Hazmat and Omoshalewa Ogunleke (Usmanu Danfodiyo University)
- Isaiah Iyah (University of Uyo) in eighth
- Lawal Abdullah (Baze University, Abuja) in ninth
- Lawal Olayemi (Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti) in tenth
The event, attended by students, educators, dignitaries, and media representatives, concluded with commendations to all participants and a reaffirmation of NCDMB’s commitment to sustaining the competition as a platform for national intellectual advancement.