A 16-year-old medical student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Miss Akande Oyinkansola Josephine, has emerged the overall winner of the 2025 edition of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition. The grand finale of the prestigious academic contest was held on Friday at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Oyinkansola, a 200-level Medicine and Surgery student, clinched the top position after a rigorous evaluation process that featured outstanding submissions from undergraduate students across the country. She received a cash prize of ₦1 million, a brand-new laptop, and a commemorative plaque. The young scholar from Osun State is admired for her compassion and passion for service. She dreams of becoming a medical doctor dedicated to saving lives and contributing to national development. Beyond academics, she enjoys cooking and caregiving—traits that reflect a blend of empathy, focus and ambition.
The second-place winner was 23-year-old Sonuga Sultan Opeyemi, a 200-level medical student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). Sultan, an indigene of Ogun State, aspires to become a cardiothoracic surgeon and is passionate about research and academic writing. For his exceptional entry, he received ₦700,000, a laptop, and a plaque. His curiosity and analytical mindset distinguished him among the finalists.
Aguigwe Precious Amarachi, a 19-year-old Computer Science student of the University of Uyo, emerged third. She was awarded ₦500,000 for her essay. Hailing from Ebonyi State, Amarachi is creatively driven with aspirations to become a web developer and YouTuber. Her interests span music, podcasting, and self-development through online learning, making her one of the rising voices in digital creativity.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, described the competition as one of the Board’s flagship programs tailored to its mandate of capacity building and stakeholder engagement. Represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, Head of Government Relations in the Corporate Communications Division, Ogbe noted that the competition has grown significantly since inception.
“Now in its ninth year, the competition seeks to awaken local content consciousness among undergraduates and promote intellectual development,” he said.
He further explained that the program helps young people appreciate the importance of local content in stimulating national economic growth, boosting job creation, driving industrialization, and enhancing security. According to him, the initiative reinforces communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students, preparing them for emerging opportunities in the digital economy. Ogbe also highlighted the Board’s progress in implementing its 10-Year Strategic Roadmap, currently at 56 percent, and spoke on the impact of the recently launched “Back to the Creek Initiative,” which focuses on community support and talent discovery.
Commending the fairness and professionalism of the judging process, the ES expressed gratitude to the distinguished assessors and academics who evaluated the entries. “Every project associated with NCDMB must be excellent, professional, and world-class,” he stressed.
This year’s theme, “Sustaining Local Content Policies in the Transitioning Oil and Gas Industry,” was described as timely and aligned with national discourse on energy transition, innovation, and capacity development.
Chairman of the prize-giving ceremony, Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic University of Africa Toro-rua, applauded the NCDMB for sustaining the competition for nine consecutive years. He urged the Board to consider extending financial support to the remaining seven finalists to further motivate participation.
While praising the credibility of the selection process, he expressed concern that no student from Bayelsa or Rivers State made it to the top three, noting the need for increased sensitization.
In his welcome address, consultant to NCDMB, Mr. Eyinimi Omorozi, commended the top ten finalists for their discipline and intellectual excellence. He noted that the Board has remained steadfast in promoting academic excellence and capacity building for nearly a decade through the essay competition.
“These two fundamental objectives have been sustained for nine years, unblemished. The NCDMB deserves a big round of applause,” he said.
The event, attended by students, educators, dignitaries, and media personnel, ended with widespread commendations to the participants and a reaffirmation of NCDMB’s commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of thinkers and innovators.
