The Sterling Team, in collaboration with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Nigeria, is pleased to announce the National Essay Competition for Secondary School Students 2025.

The National Essay Competition 2025 provides a platform for senior secondary school students across Nigeria to express their ideas, creativity, and understanding of how climate challenges within their communities can be transformed into opportunities for sustainable growth. Through this competition, students are encouraged to think critically, write persuasively, and share innovative solutions that can drive local and national change.

The competition forms part of activities lined up to commemorate the National Sustainability Week, reflecting the organizers’ shared commitment to promoting environmental awareness, youth engagement, and sustainable development.

Essay Topic: “Turning Climate Challenges in My Community into Opportunities for Growth.”

SDSN Youth Nigeria National Essay Competition Benefits

Prizes

1st Prize: N500,000

2nd Prize: N300,000

3rd Prize: N200,000

Requirements for SDSN Youth Nigeria National Essay Competition

Open to only current senior secondary school students (SS1–SS3).

Applicants must be enrolled in a public or government-owned school in any state across Nigeria.

Each school and student are allowed to submit only one entry.

Applicants must accurately complete the application form, including the contact information of their teacher or principal for verification purposes

Selection Process

Submission Guidelines

Essays must be typed, original, and not exceed 1,000 words.

AI-generated or plagiarized content is strictly prohibited; any detected violation will result in immediate disqualification.

Each applicant is required to record and submit a 2–3 minute video presentation of their essay as proof of authorship.

All videos must be recorded in portrait (vertical) format with clear audio and visual quality to ensure fair evaluation.

Application Deadline

November 14, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) on docs.google.com to apply

For more information and inquiries, please contact the SDSN Nigeria Project Team