The 2025 edition of the Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition has officially been announced, and it promises to be one of the most exciting intellectual contests for students across Oyo State and beyond. Powered by the Omituntun Initiative in Diaspora (OID), the competition is designed to inspire critical thinking, nurture innovation, and reward academic excellence among young people.
For students who are passionate about writing, research, and problem-solving, this is not just another competition—it is a life-changing opportunity. With prizes worth millions of naira, access to leadership training, and the chance to get national recognition, the essay contest is set to attract some of the brightest minds from Oyo State’s vibrant student community.
Why This Competition Matters for Students
Every year, thousands of Nigerian students look for platforms that can showcase their talents beyond the classroom. The Seyi Makinde Essay Competition goes beyond just asking students to write—it challenges participants to think deeply about real problems facing society and provide workable solutions.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has consistently emphasized youth empowerment and inclusiveness, and this competition is a reflection of that vision. Students are encouraged to use their creativity, research skills, and writing ability to highlight innovative ideas that can transform Oyo State and even Nigeria as a whole.
For undergraduates, postgraduates, and young researchers, this competition is also a great way to build a strong academic portfolio that stands out in scholarship applications, internships, or even postgraduate opportunities abroad.
Who Can Apply?
The essay competition is open to a specific group of students. To participate, you must:
- Be a resident or indigene of Oyo State
- Be a student of any recognized institution in Nigeria
- Be within the age range of 18 to 35 years
This means whether you’re studying in Oyo State or in another part of Nigeria, as long as you can prove your Oyo State origin or residency, you are eligible to take part.
Exciting Topics to Choose From
One of the most interesting parts of this competition is the variety of essay topics provided. Students have the freedom to choose from four intellectually stimulating themes that touch on technology, agriculture, leadership, and environmental sustainability.
Here are the topics:
- Redefining the Future: The role of youth in advancing artificial intelligence and technological innovation for Oyo State’s development.
- Reimagining Agriculture: Climate-smart farming, food security, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Oyo State.
- From State to Nation to Globe: Visionary leadership, youth innovation, and civic engagement for a sustainable future.
- Greening the Economy: Community action and clean energy solutions for environmental sustainability in Oyo State.
Each of these topics is relevant, forward-thinking, and impactful. They are designed to test students’ knowledge, creativity, and ability to propose realistic solutions. For instance, a science or engineering student might be drawn to the AI and technology topic, while an agriculture or environmental science student may prefer the climate-smart farming or clean energy themes.
Submission Guidelines You Must Follow
Like every serious academic competition, there are rules and submission guidelines that must be respected. Entries that do not follow these rules risk automatic disqualification.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Format: Your essay must be submitted in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx).
- Length: 1,000 – 1,500 words (excluding references or bibliography).
- Font: Times New Roman, size 12, double-spaced.
- Language: Strictly English.
- Details Required:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Proof of student status (ID card, admission letter, etc.)
- Proof of Oyo State residency/indigene certificate
Each participant is allowed only one submission. All entries should be emailed to: essay@omituntunindiaspora.org
What’s at Stake? (Prizes & Recognition)
This is where it gets even more interesting—the prizes! The organizers have made sure that the rewards are worth the effort.
- 🥇 1st Prize: ₦1,000,000 (One million naira)
- 🥈 2nd Prize: ₦500,000
- 🥉 3rd Prize: ₦250,000
But that’s not all. The top 50 participants will receive:
- Sponsorship to attend a Leadership Academy training
- An official Certificate of Recognition from OID Global
This means even if you don’t win the first three prizes, you still stand a chance of gaining valuable leadership skills and a certificate that will add prestige to your academic or professional CV.
Deadline and Important Dates
The deadline for submission is 11:59 PM, 15th October 2025. Late entries will not be accepted under any circumstance, so students are strongly advised to start writing now and avoid last-minute pressure.
Judging will be based on:
- Originality and creativity
- Depth of research and analysis
- Structure, clarity, and coherence
- Relevance to Oyo State’s development
- Use of real-life examples, especially within Oyo State
⚠️ Important Note: Any essay found to contain plagiarism or AI-generated content will be automatically disqualified.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
For students, this essay competition is more than just writing—it is a platform to make your voice heard, showcase your intellect, and even get rewarded handsomely for it.
Imagine having your name published in national newspapers and on OID’s official social media platforms, alongside recognition as one of the top young thinkers in Oyo State. That alone can open doors to scholarships, leadership opportunities, and even future career prospects.
Final Thoughts
The Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition 2025 is a golden opportunity that no eligible student should overlook. With the blend of mouthwatering prizes, leadership development opportunities, and recognition at both state and national levels, it’s more than just an essay contest—it’s a stepping stone to greatness.
So, whether you are passionate about technology, agriculture, leadership, or environmental sustainability, pick a topic, put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), and let your ideas shine.
Deadline: 15th October 2025. Don’t wait until the last minute—start writing today!
