The Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan (UCJ UI), has opened applications for the 9th Annual Fisayo Soyombo Intervarsity Essay Competition, offering Nigerian undergraduate students an opportunity to win cash prizes worth a combined ₦900,000.
The competition invites students from universities across Nigeria to examine the relationship between elections and democracy, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Participants are expected to demonstrate their writing, critical-thinking and analytical skills by exploring whether elections in Nigeria genuinely reflect the will of citizens, strengthen democratic institutions and promote accountability.
The competition offers ₦400,000 to the first-place winner, ₦300,000 to the second-place winner and ₦200,000 to the third-place winner.
About the Fisayo Soyombo Intervarsity Essay Competition
The University of Ibadan Union of Campus Journalists is organising the ninth edition of the annual essay competition, inviting undergraduate students to examine issues affecting Nigeria’s democratic development.
The 2026 competition focuses on the relationship between elections and democratic governance as the country approaches another general election cycle in 2027.
Participants are encouraged to assess whether elections remain an effective way of expressing the people’s will, strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring accountability.
The competition also provides an opportunity for students to examine the political and institutional challenges that may prevent elections from delivering meaningful democratic outcomes.
Essay Topic for the 2026 Competition
The approved topic for this year’s competition is:
“2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?”
The topic requires participants to critically examine the effectiveness of elections in delivering democratic governance in Nigeria.
Applicants can explore issues surrounding electoral credibility, citizens’ participation, democratic institutions, political accountability and the challenges affecting Nigeria’s electoral system.
Essay Writing and Formatting Requirements
All submissions must follow the prescribed guidelines.
- Word count: 1,500 to 2,000 words.
- Font: Times New Roman.
- Font size: 12.
- Line spacing: 1.5.
Applicants must ensure their essays address the approved topic and comply with the specified formatting requirements
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Eligibility Requirements for the Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition
To participate in the 9th Annual Fisayo Soyombo Intervarsity Essay Competition, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Undergraduate status: Candidates must be undergraduate students enrolled in a Nigerian university.
- Valid student identification: Applicants must provide a valid school identity card.
- Approved topic: Entries must address the official essay topic for the 2026 competition.
- Essay format: Submissions must comply with the prescribed word count and formatting guidelines.
The competition is specifically open to undergraduate students studying at Nigerian universities.
Cash Prizes for the Fisayo Soyombo Intervarsity Essay Competition
The competition will reward the three best entries with cash prizes totalling ₦900,000.
The prize distribution is as follows:
- First place: ₦400,000.
- Second place: ₦300,000.
- Third place: ₦200,000.
The announcement also lists awards and certification among the competition’s rewards.
Who Is Fisayo Soyombo?
Fisayo Soyombo is an investigative journalist and alumnus of the University of Ibadan Union of Campus Journalists. He served as the organisation’s president during the 2007/2008 academic session.
He is known for investigative reporting, including undercover investigations into corruption within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
In one of his investigations, Soyombo spent five days in a police cell as a suspect and eight days as an inmate in Ikoyi Prison to examine corruption within the system.
He is also the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) and has received several awards in Nigeria and internationally.
How to Apply for the Fisayo Soyombo Intervarsity Essay Competition 2026
Send your completed essay and school ID card to: [email protected]
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.
Application deadline: November 22, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
1. Who can apply for the Fisayo Soyombo Intervarsity Essay Competition 2026?
Undergraduate students enrolled in recognised universities in Nigeria are eligible to participate.
2. What is the topic of the 2026 Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition?
The approved topic is “2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?”
3. How much is the first prize for the Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition?
The first-place winner will receive ₦400,000.
4. What are the cash prizes for the competition?
The first-place winner receives ₦400,000, the second-place winner gets ₦300,000, and the third-place winner receives ₦200,000.
5. What is the required essay word count?
Entries must contain between 1,500 and 2,000 words.
6. What formatting should applicants use?
Essays must use Times New Roman font, size 12, with 1.5 line spacing.
7. What documents are required to participate?
Applicants must provide a valid school identity card. The announcement does not specify additional supporting documents.
8. When is the application deadline?
The deadline is November 22, 2026.