2026 Chidera Anushiem Essay Competition: ₦150,000 Cash Prizes for Male Nigerian Undergraduates

In a society where conversations around gender equality often overlook the role of men and boys, Boys Without Borders Nigeria is creating space for young male voices to lead meaningful dialogue. The 2026 Chidera Anushiem Essay Competition returns as a powerful platform for undergraduate men to reflect, analyze, and propose solutions on how family and upbringing influence attitudes toward gender.

This prestigious essay contest, sponsored by Mr. Chidera Anushiem and organized by Boys Without Borders Nigeria in partnership with Writinova, forms part of the annual International Day of the Boy-Child (IDBC) campaign. It aims to empower young Nigerian men to challenge harmful narratives, become allies in the fight for true equality, and contribute intellectually to national development.

Competition Theme

“Equality Begins at Home: How Family and Upbringing Shape Attitudes Toward Gender.”

This timely theme invites deep reflection on the roots of gender stereotypes, toxic masculinity, and the importance of raising boys to become equitable partners in society.

Who Can Enter? Full Eligibility

• Must be a male undergraduate student enrolled in any higher institution in Nigeria.
• Open to students from all disciplines and universities across the country.
• Not open to members of Boys Without Borders NG or its campus networks.

This is a unique opportunity exclusively for male undergraduates to showcase their writing skills, critical thinking, and perspectives on gender issues.

Essay Requirements

• Word count: 800 – 1,000 words
• The document must not include the entrant’s name or school name (these details go in the submission form).
• Include the essay title and exact word count on the document.
• Submissions must be original — plagiarized content will be disqualified.
• Format: Submit as a clean document via the official form.

Attractive Prizes and Benefits

Winners receive substantial recognition and rewards:

• 1st Place: ₦70,000
• 2nd Place: ₦50,000
• 3rd Place: ₦30,000

Additional Benefits:

• Top 10 competitors qualify for valuable mentorship opportunities and other prestigious awards.
• Top 5 receive consolation prizes.
• Shortlisted top 10 writers will be invited to attend the Boys Conference where winners are announced.

This combination of cash prizes, mentorship, networking, and conference exposure makes the Chidera Anushiem Essay Competition one of the most rewarding writing contests for Nigerian male undergraduates in 2026.

How to Submit Your Entry (Simple Process)

1. Write your original essay on the given theme (800–1,000 words).
2. Follow Writinova (@writinova) and Boys Without Borders NG (@boyswithoutbordersng) on Instagram.
3. Prepare a photo of your student ID card (or any valid substitute showing your name, photo, and school name).
4. Submit everything through the official Google Form: https://bit.ly/CAEC2026

Submission Period: April 4 – April 22, 2026
Deadline: April 22, 2026 (no late submissions accepted)

All enquiries should be sent to: boyswithoutbordersng@gmail.com

Why You Should Participate

This competition is more than just an essay contest — it’s a call for young Nigerian men to engage thoughtfully with gender issues, develop strong writing and analytical skills, and position themselves as thoughtful leaders. Past editions have produced compelling essays, built networks, and provided winners with platforms to amplify their voices.

Whether you’re studying Law, Social Sciences, Arts, Engineering, or any other course, your perspective matters. Use this opportunity to demonstrate intellectual depth and contribute to building a more equitable society starting from the home.

Apply / Submit Now: https://bit.ly/CAEC2026

Share this opportunity with every male undergraduate in your department, faculty, hostel, and campus groups. Tag your coursemates, friends, and brothers who enjoy writing or have strong opinions on gender, family, and societal issues.

Let’s encourage more young men to participate in these important conversations.

Summary Table: 2026 Chidera Anushiem Essay Competition

Aspect	Details
Theme	“Equality Begins at Home: How Family and Upbringing Shape Attitudes Toward Gender.”
Eligibility	Male undergraduate students in Nigerian higher institutions
Word Count	800 – 1,000 words
Prizes	1st: ₦70,000 │ 2nd: ₦50,000 │ 3rd: ₦30,000 + Mentorship for Top 10
Additional Benefits	Top 10 invited to Boys Conference │ Top 5 get consolation prizes
Submission Period	April 4 – April 22, 2026
Deadline	April 22, 2026
Submission Link	https://bit.ly/CAEC2026
Requirements	Follow @writinova & @boyswithoutbordersng on IG + upload ID proof
Enquiries	boyswithoutbordersng@gmail.com

Deadline is April 22, 2026 — start writing today! Your essay could win you cash, mentorship, and national recognition while contributing to a more balanced conversation on gender equality in Nigeria.

Don’t sleep on this opportunity. Write boldly, submit on time, and let your voice be heard.