Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition 2026

Scholarship Details

Introduction

Applications are invited for the 9th Annual Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition, organised by the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan (UCJ UI).

The competition provides an opportunity for undergraduate students studying at universities in Nigeria to demonstrate their writing, critical-thinking and analytical skills while engaging with an important issue affecting the country’s democracy.

For the 2026 edition, participants are required to write an essay on the topic: “2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?”

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The competition invites students to examine the relationship between elections and democracy in Nigeria, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. Participants can explore whether elections genuinely reflect the will of the people, strengthen democratic institutions and promote accountability, or whether deeper political and institutional challenges prevent elections from delivering meaningful democratic outcomes.

The competition offers cash prizes of ₦400,000 for first place, ₦300,000 for second place and ₦200,000 for third place.

Eligible applicants must be undergraduate university students in Nigeria. Entries must follow the prescribed word count and formatting requirements, and applicants must attach a copy of their school identity card when submitting their essays.

The deadline for submission is 22 November 2026.

Competition Overview

• Competition name: 9th Annual Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition
• Organiser: Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan
• Competition type: Inter-university essay-writing competition
• Eligible applicants: Undergraduate university students in Nigeria
• Essay topic: “2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?”
• Word count: 1,500–2,000 words
• Formatting: Times New Roman, font size 12, with 1.5 line spacing
• First prize: ₦400,000
• Second prize: ₦300,000
• Third prize: ₦200,000
• Submission deadline: 22 November 2026
• Submission email: ucjunibadan@gmail.com

Benefits

1. Cash prizes worth up to ₦400,000

The competition offers cash prizes to the top three entries:

• First place: ₦400,000
• Second place: ₦300,000
• Third place: ₦200,000

These prizes reward outstanding essays and provide financial incentives for students to engage in research, political analysis and public-interest writing.

2. Opportunity to demonstrate writing skills

Participants can demonstrate their ability to develop a clear argument, organise ideas logically, conduct research and communicate complex political issues effectively.

These skills are useful for students interested in journalism, communications, public policy, political science, law, international relations and related fields.

3. Engagement with Nigeria’s democratic future

The competition encourages undergraduate students to think critically about elections, political participation, democratic institutions and governance in Nigeria.

By examining the topic, participants can contribute thoughtful perspectives to discussions about the country’s political future.

4. Recognition for outstanding work

The competition provides an opportunity for students to have their writing assessed against that of participants from other universities in Nigeria.

Successful entrants can earn recognition for their analytical ability and written contributions to an important national discussion.

The flyer does not specify additional benefits such as certificates, publication opportunities or participation fees.

Eligibility

To participate in the 9th Annual Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition, applicants must meet the eligibility requirement stated in the official flyer.

1. Be an undergraduate university student in Nigeria

The competition is open to undergraduate university students studying in Nigeria.

Students should ensure that they meet this requirement before submitting an entry.

2. Provide a valid school identity card

Applicants must attach their school identity card alongside their essay submission.

The identity card serves as evidence of student status. Ensure that the attachment is clear and readable.

3. Write on the approved topic

Every entry must address the prescribed essay topic:

“2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?”

Your essay should directly engage with this question and present a coherent argument supported by relevant examples, evidence and analysis.

4. Follow the prescribed essay format

Entries must contain between 1,500 and 2,000 words and follow the formatting requirements provided on the flyer.

Applicants should review their essays carefully before submission to ensure compliance.

Essay Topic and Writing Guidelines

The topic for the 2026 competition is:

“2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?”

The topic invites participants to examine the effectiveness of elections in delivering democratic governance in Nigeria.

When developing your essay, you may consider questions such as:

• Do elections in Nigeria consistently reflect the choices and interests of voters?
• How do electoral credibility, voter participation and electoral institutions affect democratic legitimacy?
• What roles do political parties, citizens, civil society and the media play in strengthening or weakening democracy?
• Can elections deliver meaningful change without stronger accountability, the rule of law and effective public institutions?
• What reforms could help ensure that elections contribute to better governance beyond 2027?

These are suggested areas for analysis, not additional official requirements. Participants should develop their own arguments and ensure that the essay remains focused on the prescribed topic.

Word Count

Your essay must contain 1,500–2,000 words.

Make sure the essay falls within the specified range before submitting it.

Formatting Requirements

The flyer specifies the following format:

• Font: Times New Roman
• Font size: 12
• Line spacing: 1.5

The flyer does not specify a required citation style, file format, title-page format or whether references count towards the word limit. Applicants should confirm any additional requirements with the organisers if necessary.

Required Documents

According to the competition flyer, applicants must submit the following:

1. Essay entry

Prepare an essay of 1,500–2,000 words on the approved topic.

Ensure that the essay follows the required font, font size and line spacing.

2. School identity card

Attach a copy of your school ID card alongside your essay to demonstrate that you are an undergraduate university student in Nigeria.

3. Email submission

Send your essay and school ID card to the official submission email displayed on the flyer:

ucjunibadan@gmail.com

The flyer does not list any additional supporting documents.

Deadline

The submission deadline for the 9th Annual Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition is:

22 November 2026

Applicants should aim to submit their entries before the deadline rather than wait until the final day.

Before sending your email, confirm that your essay meets the word count and formatting requirements and that your school identity card is attached.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to participate in the competition.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Ensure that you are an undergraduate university student in Nigeria.

Prepare a readable copy of your school identity card because it must accompany your essay.

Step 2: Develop your essay

Write on the prescribed topic:

“2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?”

Develop a clear central argument and support it with relevant evidence, examples and logical reasoning. Your discussion should remain focused on elections and their relationship with democracy in Nigeria.

Step 3: Meet the word count

Your essay must be between 1,500 and 2,000 words.

Edit your work to remove unnecessary repetition while retaining the evidence and analysis needed to support your argument.

Step 4: Format your essay correctly

Use the following formatting specifications:

• Times New Roman.
• Font size 12.
• 1.5 line spacing.

Review your document before submission.

Step 5: Attach your school ID card

Attach a copy of your school identity card to the email alongside your essay.

Check that both attachments are included and can be opened.

Step 6: Submit your entry by email

Send your completed essay and school ID card to:

ucjunibadan@gmail.com

Use a clear subject line, such as Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition 2026 – [Your Full Name]. This is a suggested subject line, not an official requirement stated on the flyer.

Step 7: Submit before the deadline

Ensure your entry is sent no later than 22 November 2026.

Keep a copy of your submission email and attachments for your records.

The flyer does not provide a separate online application form, a registration fee, a judging schedule or a date for announcing winners.

Conclusion

The 9th Annual Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition offers Nigerian undergraduate students an opportunity to express their views on elections and the future of democracy in Nigeria while competing for cash prizes of up to ₦400,000.

Interested students should prepare a well-researched essay of 1,500–2,000 words, follow the prescribed formatting rules and attach their school identity cards.

Submit your entry to ucjunibadan@gmail.com before the 22 November 2026 deadline.

Application Link

Submission email: ucjunibadan@gmail.com

Organiser: Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan

First prize: ₦400,000

Second prize: ₦300,000

Third prize: ₦200,000

Deadline: 22 November 2026