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Scholarship Details
Introduction
The Paul Alaje Colloquium (TPAColloquium) has announced its National Essay and Article Competition 2026, offering Nigerian participants the opportunity to win cash prizes for original essays exploring Nigeria’s national image, development, and global reputation.
The competition is part of the activities leading up to the TPA Colloquium 2026. It aims to encourage research, creativity, critical thinking, and innovative ideas among Nigerians in three categories: postgraduate, undergraduate, and secondary school.
Successful participants can compete for prizes of ₦1,000,000 for the postgraduate category, ₦750,000 for the undergraduate category, and ₦500,000 for the secondary school category.
Applicants must follow the specified essay topics, word limits, formatting rules, and originality requirements to avoid disqualification.
Benefits
Participants in the TPAColloquium National Essay Competition 2026 can compete for the following grand prizes:
- Postgraduate category: ₦1,000,000.
- Undergraduate category: ₦750,000.
- Secondary school category: ₦500,000.
The competition also provides participants with an opportunity to research important national issues, develop their writing and analytical skills, and contribute ideas to discussions about Nigeria’s identity, development, and international reputation.
Please note that the announcement identifies these amounts as grand prizes. It does not specify additional benefits, such as scholarships, travel funding, or participation allowances.
Eligibility
The competition has three categories:
1. Postgraduate Category
This category is for participants entering at the postgraduate level. Applicants must write on the designated topic concerning Nigeria’s brand, governance, innovation, culture, citizens’ responsibility, and global perception.
Essay topic:
“The Brand Nigeria, Beyond the Negative Narratives: Examining the Role of Governance, Innovation, Culture, and Citizens’ Responsibility in Shaping Nigeria’s Brand and Global Perception.”
Word limit: 2,500–3,000 words.
Prize: ₦1,000,000.
2. Undergraduate Category
This category is for undergraduate participants interested in exploring how education, entrepreneurship, technology, and creativity can strengthen Nigeria’s global image.
Essay topic:
“The Brand Nigeria: From Potential to Global Recognition — How Can Education, Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Creativity Help Strengthen Nigeria’s Global Brand?”
Word limit: 2,500–3,000 words.
Prize: ₦750,000.
3. Secondary School Category
This category is for secondary school participants who want to explore the role of personal character, patriotism, hard work, and innovation in shaping Nigeria’s reputation.
Essay topic:
“The Brand Nigeria Starts With Me: How Can Good Character, Patriotism, Hard Work, and Innovation Help Build Nigeria’s Image and Reputation?”
Word limit: 1,000–1,500 words.
Prize: ₦500,000.
The announcement does not provide a specific age limit, list individual eligible institutions, or state additional citizenship or residency conditions. Applicants should check the official submission form for any further requirements.
Essay Requirements and Submission Guidelines
All participants must comply with the competition’s rules.
1. Originality
Every submission must be original and unpublished. Plagiarised or AI-generated submissions will be disqualified. Participants should develop their own arguments, research, analysis, and writing rather than submit AI-generated essays.
2. Word count
- Postgraduate: 2,500–3,000 words.
- Undergraduate: 2,500–3,000 words.
- Secondary school: 1,000–1,500 words.
3. Formatting
Essays must be typed, double-spaced, and written in 12-point Times New Roman.
4. Accepted file formats
The official announcement accepts submissions in PDF or Word format.
5. Cover page
Every submission must include a cover page containing:
- Full name.
- Institution.
- Level or class.
- Contact details.
- Competition category.
6. Number of submissions
Each participant may submit only one entry. Ensure that you select the correct category and submit your final essay rather than multiple entries.
Deadline
The official competition page lists the submission window as 1 October to 30 October 2026.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to enter the TPAColloquium National Essay and Article Competition 2026:
- Visit the official competition page: Read the announcement and identify the category that matches your current educational level.
- Select the appropriate topic: Use the designated essay topic for postgraduate, undergraduate, or secondary school participants.
- Research and write your essay: Develop an original, well-researched argument that answers the selected topic. Follow the applicable word limit.
- Format your document: Use 12-point Times New Roman, double spacing, and a cover page containing all the required personal and academic details.
- Save your essay: Submit it in PDF or Word format, as specified by the organisers.
- Complete the submission form: Open the official submission link below and follow the instructions provided.
- Submit only one entry: Review your essay carefully before submission to ensure it meets the rules and does not contain plagiarised or AI-generated content.
Official Application Links
- Competition announcement:
- Online submission form: https://forms.gle/ — open the submission link provided on the official competition page to access the specific form.
Conclusion
The TPAColloquium National Essay and Article Competition 2026 is an opportunity for Nigerian postgraduate students, undergraduates, and secondary school students to contribute original ideas about Nigeria’s image and future while competing for cash prizes of up to ₦1 million.
Before applying, confirm the current deadline, choose the correct category, follow the required essay format, and ensure your submission is entirely your own work.
If you intend to participate, start preparing and submit promptly because the published submission period is already underway..
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