Application Deadline: 22 November, 2026
LOCATION: Nigeria
The 2026 Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition is accepting entries from undergraduate students at Nigerian universities. Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition 2026 offers ₦900,000 in prizes. This opportunity is sponsored by the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan (UCJ UI)
ELIGIBILITY:
You must be an undergraduate student enrolled at a university in Nigeria.
You must be able to provide a copy of your valid school identity card.
You must submit an original essay addressing the prescribed 2026 topic and comply with the word-count and formatting instructions.
The announcement does not establish eligibility for postgraduate students or students of polytechnics and colleges of education. Applicants outside the stated undergraduate university category should seek clarification from the organizer.
Official Essay Topic
“2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?”
The question asks entrants to assess whether elections in Nigeria translate into democratic representation, accountability, and effective governance, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections. A strong essay can consider electoral credibility, voter participation, institutions and possible reforms while acknowledging competing interpretations.
Essay Length and Formatting
Word count: 1,500–2,000 words.
Font: Times New Roman.
Font size: 12 points.
Line spacing: 1.5.
Supporting document: A copy of your student identity card.
The published information reviewed does not specify a compulsory citation style or a particular essay file extension. Applicants may contact UCJ UI for clarification rather than assuming an unstated requirement.
Entries are submitted by email to the organizers. There is no separate online application form stated in the announcement.
Confirm that you are an undergraduate student at a Nigerian university.
Write your 1,500–2,000-word essay on the official 2026 topic.
Format the essay in Times New Roman, size 12, with 1.5 line spacing.
Prepare a legible copy of your student identity card.
Attach your essay and identity card to an email addressed to ucjunibadan@gmail.com.
Send your entry by 22 November 2026.
You may use a descriptive email subject such as Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition 2026 – Full Name, but this is a practical suggestion, not a mandatory subject line stated by the organizer.
BENEFIT:
The top three entries will share a total cash prize pool of ₦900,000:
| Prizes | ₦400,000 (first); ₦300,000 (second); ₦200,000 (third) |
