UNILORIN Student Emerges Overall Winner of National Essay Competition

A 200-level student of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Wisdom David Fabunmi emerged as the overall winner of the 2026 National Undergraduate Essay Competition organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Fabunmi from physiotherapy secured first position in the 10th edition of the competition earning a cash prize of ₦1 million naira, a brand new laptop and a plaque.

The award ceremony took place on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the NCDMB Conference Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

About the NCDMB Competition

The NCDMB Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition is an initiative designed to encourage research, critical thinking and intellectual engagement among undergraduate students.

The 2026 edition focused on the theme, "Promoting Manufacturing for Sustainable Local Content Development."

Participants were expected to examine how Nigeria could strengthen its domestic manufacturing capacity, increase local production and create greater economic value.

According to the Board, the competition attracted approximately 5,000 entries from 52 universities across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Other NCDMB Winners

Joy Oghogho Enogieru, a 100-level Doctor of Optometry student of the University of Benin, emerged as the first runner-up. She received ₦700,000, a laptop and a plaque.

Ahmadu Kodan Yusuf, a 100-level Law student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, finished in third position receiving ₦500,000, a laptop and a plaque.

Other contestants who finished between fourth and ninth positions also received consolation prizes.

NCDMB's Support for Students

Speaking at the ceremony, the Board's General Manager of Corporate Communications, Dr Obinna Ezeobi who represented the Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe explained that the competition forms part of NCDMB's efforts to develop human capacity and encourage young Nigerians to contribute to the country's industrial development.

He noted that the initiative provides students with an opportunity to research national challenges, develop ideas and contribute to discussions around Nigerian Content.

The Board also highlighted other youth-focused initiatives, including the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad, research centres of excellence in selected universities and the Catch-the-Researcher-Young Programme.

The competition is part of NCDMB's broader efforts to encourage young Nigerians to develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the country's oil and gas industry and wider economy.

Source: Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB)