A brilliant 16-year-old medical student from Obafemi Awolowo University has made history by winning the prestigious 2025 Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board National Undergraduate Essay Competition.
Akande Oyinkansola Josephine, who is remarkably in her second year of medical studies despite her young age, emerged victorious among students from universities across Nigeria. The award ceremony took place at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
The young prodigy impressed judges with her insightful essay titled 'Sustaining Local Content Policies in the Transitioning Oil and Gas Industry'. Her work demonstrated exceptional understanding of complex energy sector dynamics and Nigeria's local content development goals.
For her outstanding achievement, Akande received a grand prize of one million naira, a brand new laptop, and a commemorative plaque. The recognition extends beyond personal accomplishment, highlighting the potential of Nigerian youth in contributing to national development conversations.
Recognizing Other Top Performers
The competition also celebrated other exceptional talents. Sonuga Sultan Opeyemi from the Federal University of Technology Akure secured second position, receiving seven hundred thousand naira, while Aguigwe Precious Amarachi from the University of Uyo claimed third place with five hundred thousand naira.
Both runners-up also received laptops and plaques, bringing the total prize money shared among the top three winners to 2.2 million naira.
The ten finalists were selected from an initial shortlist of fifty students representing various institutions nationwide. Other notable finalists included:
- Folayemi Idowu (OAU)
- Usman Tahiru (Ahmadu Bello University)
- Maryam Hazmat and Omoshalewa Ogunleke (Usmanu Danfodiyo University)
- Isaiah Iyah (University of Uyo)
- Lawal Abdullah (Baze University Abuja)
- Lawal Olayemi (Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti)
NCDMB's Commitment to Capacity Building
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, emphasized the competition's significance in developing the next generation of thinkers. Represented by General Manager of Corporate Communications Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, Ogbe stated that the contest strengthens students' understanding of how local content supports economic advancement, industrial growth, and national security.
'Every project associated with NCDMB must be excellent, professional, and world-class,' Ogbe declared, praising the impartial judging process and the essay topic's relevance to ongoing national conversations about energy transition.
The board also reported significant progress on its 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, currently standing at 56 percent completion. Ogbe highlighted the Back to the Creek Initiative, designed to support communities and identify indigenous talents.
Stakeholders Applaud Initiative
Professor Barclays Ayakoroma, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of the University of Africa Toru Orua and Chairman of the occasion, commended NCDMB for sustaining the competition as a platform for intellectual development. He did, however, express concern about the absence of students from Bayelsa State universities in the final round and suggested considering consolation prizes for future editions to encourage wider participation.
Eyinimi Omorozi, consultant to NCDMB on the project, saluted the top ten finalists for their discipline and brilliance, noting that the board has consistently promoted academic excellence and capacity building through this annual contest.
The event concluded with commendations for all participants and a renewed commitment from NCDMB to maintain the competition as a national hub for intellectual advancement. The ceremony attracted students, educators, dignitaries, and media representatives, all celebrating the remarkable achievements of Nigeria's young academic talents.
