OID Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition 2025 (₦1.75M in prizes) | How to Apply

OID Seyi Makinde Essay Competition offers ₦1.75M in prizes. Credit: Scholarship Region
The Omituntun Initiative in Diaspora (OID) has announced the opening of applications for the Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition 2025, offering a total prize pool of ₦1.75 million, along with scholarships and certificates for top participants. The competition, aimed at students of Nigerian institutions who are residents or indigenes of Oyo State, seeks to promote innovation, sustainability, leadership, and civic engagement among young people.
The deadline for submissions is October 15, 2025.
Competition Overview: Empowering the Next Generation
OID has consistently supported Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of empowering young people through education and civic participation. The annual essay competition provides a platform for Nigerian students in Oyo State to showcase critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills while addressing pressing issues in society.
This year’s edition invites participants to engage with topics on artificial intelligence, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and youth leadership.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
To participate in the OID Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition 2025, applicants must:
- Be a resident or indigene of Oyo State.
- Be enrolled in any recognized institution in Nigeria.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
These criteria ensure the program targets active, young Nigerians with potential to impact the future of Oyo State and beyond.
Prizes and Rewards for Winners
The OID Seyi Makinde Essay Competition 2025 comes with attractive rewards:
- First Prize: ₦1,000,000
- Second Prize: ₦500,000
- Third Prize: ₦250,000
- Top 50 participants: Scholarships for Leadership Academy Training + OID Global Participation Certificates
These incentives underscore OID’s commitment to youth development and academic excellence.
Essay Topics for 2025
Contestants must select one essay topic from the following themes:
- Redefining the Future: Youth roles in advancing AI and technological innovation for Oyo State’s development.
- Reimagining Agriculture: Climate-smart farming, food security, and progress toward SDGs in Oyo State.
- From State to Nation to Globe: Building a sustainable future through youth innovation, leadership, and civic engagement.
- Greening the Economy: Community action and clean energy solutions for environmental sustainability.
Each topic challenges participants to propose practical and innovative solutions tailored to Oyo State’s development.
READ ALSO
Dominic Esangbedo Tertiary Education Scholarship 2025 for STEM Undergraduates (Edo Indigenes)
Female Scholars Foundation Scholarship for Nigerian Undergraduate: How to apply
Submission Requirements
Applicants must adhere to the following guidelines when preparing their essays:
- Word Count: 1000–1500 words
- Language: English
- Format: MS Word (.doc or .docx)
- Font/Size: Times New Roman, 12-point, double-spaced
- Attachments: Full Name, Email, Contact Details, Proof of student status/residency
Essays should be submitted to: [email protected]
How to Apply for OID Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition 2025
Here’s the step-by-step guide for applicants:
- Select one essay topic from the provided list.
- Write your essay following the submission requirements.
- Prepare supporting documents (proof of student status/residency).
- Submit your essay and documents via email to [email protected] before the October 15, 2025 deadline.
- Wait for acknowledgment and further communication from OID.
Why This Competition Matters
The OID Seyi Makinde Essay Competition is not just about winning prizes, it is about nurturing thought leadership among Nigerian youth. By focusing on AI, sustainability, agriculture, and leadership, the competition challenges participants to propose bold ideas that can influence policy, community engagement, and innovation in Oyo State.
It reflects a broader goal: empowering the next generation to contribute actively to nation-building and global progress.
The OID Seyi Makinde Annual Essay Competition 2025 offers Oyo State students a chance to win ₦1.75 million, scholarships, and global recognition. With its strong focus on youth empowerment, this competition is an opportunity for students to amplify their voices and contribute to meaningful change.