Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition 2026: Nigerian Undergraduates Can Win ₦400,000
Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition 2026
Nigerian university students with strong writing and analytical skills can compete for cash prizes worth ₦900,000 in the 2026 Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition, organised by the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ), University of Ibadan.
The ninth edition of the annual competition invites undergraduate students to examine a major question about Nigeria’s democratic future as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The competition is open to undergraduates enrolled at universities in Nigeria. Participants are required to submit an essay addressing the official topic, alongside a copy of their student identity card.
The deadline for entries is November 22, 2026.
The competition offers students an opportunity to demonstrate their research, critical-thinking and persuasive-writing skills while engaging with questions about elections, democratic governance and political accountability in Nigeria.
What Is the Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition?
The Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition is an annual initiative organised by the Union of Campus Journalists at the University of Ibadan.
Named after investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), the competition provides a platform for university students to analyse important national issues and present evidence-based arguments.
For the 2026 edition, participants are expected to examine the relationship between elections and democracy in Nigeria, including whether electoral processes produce accountable leadership and reflect citizens’ choices.
The competition is open to eligible undergraduate students across Nigerian universities, not only students of the University of Ibadan.
Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition 2026: Cash Prizes
The organisers have allocated ₦900,000 in cash prizes to the top three entries.
The prize breakdown is as follows:
| Position | Cash prize |
|---|---|
| First place | ₦400,000 |
| Second place | ₦300,000 |
| Third place | ₦200,000 |
| Total | ₦900,000 |
The published competition details also mention certificates of recognition and plaque awards.
Students interested in the competition should note that the ₦900,000 represents the combined prize money, not an amount awarded to every participant.
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What Is the Official Essay Topic for 2026?
The official topic is:
“2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?”
The topic challenges students to assess whether elections in Nigeria translate into meaningful democratic governance.
Rather than simply recounting the country’s electoral history, participants can develop an argument about the credibility of elections, citizens’ participation, political accountability and the performance of democratic institutions.
Potential areas to explore include:
- Electoral credibility: Whether election results reflect voters’ choices and enjoy public confidence.
- Voter participation: What voter turnout and public attitudes reveal about citizens’ engagement with democracy.
- Political parties and electoral institutions: How parties, election administrators and other institutions influence electoral outcomes.
- Money and misinformation: The effects of vote buying, political pressure and misleading information on elections.
- Accountability: Whether elected officials remain responsive to citizens after winning elections.
- Electoral reform: Changes that could strengthen democratic institutions before and after the 2027 elections.
These are possible areas of discussion rather than compulsory sections. Applicants should develop their own position and support it with credible evidence and clear reasoning.
Eligibility Requirements for the Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition
According to the published guidelines, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Be an undergraduate at a Nigerian university
The competition is open to students currently enrolled in a university in Nigeria. Applicants should be prepared to provide evidence of their student status.
2. Submit a copy of their school identity card
A copy of the applicant’s student ID card is listed as a required supporting document.
3. Write on the official topic
Entries must address “2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?” and comply with the stated essay requirements.
The published announcement does not specify additional age, course-of-study or minimum CGPA requirements.
Essay Length and Formatting Requirements
Applicants should follow the published submission guidelines carefully to avoid preventable formatting errors.
The requirements are:
- Word count: 1,500–2,000 words.
- Font: Times New Roman.
- Font size: 12.
- Line spacing: 1.5.
- Supporting document: A copy of the school identity card.
The published information does not clearly state a mandatory referencing style or file format. Applicants should check with the organisers if they need clarification on these details.
How to Apply for the Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition 2026
Interested and eligible students can follow these steps to prepare and submit their entries.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility. Ensure you are currently an undergraduate at a Nigerian university.
Step 2: Write your essay. Address the official topic, presenting a clear argument supported by relevant evidence and analysis.
Step 3: Check the word count. Keep the essay within the required range of 1,500 to 2,000 words.
Step 4: Format the document. Use Times New Roman, font size 12 and 1.5 line spacing.
Step 5: Prepare your student ID. Save a clear copy of your university identity card to attach to your submission.
Step 6: Email your application. Send your essay and student ID copy to [email protected].
Step 7: Use a clear email subject. The published guidance suggests a subject line such as “Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition 2026 – Your Full Name”.
Step 8: Submit before the deadline. Ensure your entry is sent no later than November 22, 2026.
Applicants should retain a copy of their submitted documents and check for any confirmation from the organisers.
When Is the Application Deadline?
The deadline for the 2026 Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition is November 22, 2026.
Students who intend to participate should allow enough time to research the topic, develop their arguments, edit their essays and prepare the required student identification document.
Submitting before the closing date also helps reduce the risk of last-minute email or attachment problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition 2026?
Undergraduate students currently enrolled at universities in Nigeria can apply, subject to the published submission requirements.
2. How much can the winner receive?
The first-place winner is listed to receive ₦400,000. The second-place prize is ₦300,000, while third place receives ₦200,000.
3. What is the essay topic for 2026?
The topic is “2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?”
4. How many words should the essay contain?
Entries must be between 1,500 and 2,000 words, according to the published guidelines.
5. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit their essay and a copy of their school identity card.
6. Where should applicants send their entries?
The published application instructions direct applicants to email their essays and student ID copies to [email protected].
7. What is the deadline for the competition?
The application deadline is November 22, 2026.
8. Can students from universities outside the University of Ibadan participate?
Yes. The competition is described as an inter-varsity initiative for undergraduate students across Nigerian universities, rather than an opportunity limited to University of Ibadan students.