DealHQ Partners, a leading Nigerian business advisory firm, has announced the winners of its 2026 Undergraduate Essay Competition. The competition, which drew entries from universities across the country, awarded cash prizes and internship opportunities to the top three students.
Winners and Their Rewards
The first prize of ₦500,000 and a six-month paid internship at DealHQ was awarded to Adewale Ogunleye, a 300-level Economics student at the University of Lagos. The second prize of ₦300,000 and a three-month internship went to Chiamaka Nwosu, a 200-level Law student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The third prize of ₦200,000 was presented to Ibrahim Musa, a 400-level Accounting student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Essay Theme and Evaluation
The competition, themed "The Role of Youth in Shaping Nigeria's Economic Future," required participants to submit a 2,000-word essay. Entries were evaluated by a panel of judges comprising academics and industry experts, who assessed originality, depth of research, and clarity of argument.
Statements from DealHQ Leadership
In a statement, the Managing Partner of DealHQ, Mr. Tunde Adeyemi, said: "We are thrilled by the quality of entries we received this year. The winners demonstrated exceptional insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria's economy. We believe these young minds will go on to make significant contributions to the nation's development."
Impact and Future Plans
The competition, now in its third year, has become a platform for nurturing young talent. Past winners have gone on to secure roles in top financial institutions. DealHQ plans to expand the competition next year to include postgraduate students and to partner with more universities to reach a wider audience.
Reactions from Winners
Reacting to his win, Adewale Ogunleye expressed gratitude, saying, "This competition has been a life-changing experience. I am grateful to DealHQ for this opportunity and look forward to learning from the best in the industry." Chiamaka Nwosu added, "The internship will provide me with practical exposure that complements my academic knowledge."
DealHQ Partners is known for its commitment to youth development and education, and this competition is one of many initiatives aimed at fostering the next generation of business leaders in Nigeria.
