The BOF Foundation, in collaboration with the Nigeria Medical Students’ Association’s Standing Committee on Public Health (NiMSA-SCOPH), has held the award ceremony for its 2026 SDG 3 National Essay Competition.

The event brought together medical students, healthcare professionals, and key stakeholders to discuss advancements in Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being.

This year’s competition focused on the theme, “SDG 3 and the Future of Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria: Can We Make It a Reality by 2030?” It challenged medical students across the country to analyze Nigeria’s progress toward this goal and propose practical, sustainable solutions to improve health outcomes for mothers and children over the next four years.

The ceremony began with opening remarks from the moderator and Editor-in-Chief, Marvelous Obi-Ochulor, who welcomed attendees and introduced guests. Following this, Mr. Confidence Osaro-Chikere delivered the official welcome, outlining the program’s objectives.

He discussed the necessity of equipping young healthcare professionals to advocate for better health outcomes through leadership, research, policy development, and innovation.

The founder of the BOF Foundation, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, addressed the audience to share the history and mission of the organization. He spoke on the foundation’s commitment to improving healthcare through mentorship, education, and youth development. Dr. Olowojebutu announced that the competition will become an annual fixture held on June 13, starting in 2027.

The upcoming edition will expand to feature two distinct categories: Health Policy and Technology. He also introduced the panel of judges for the next cycle, which will include Dr. Danbuba Umar alongside other medical professionals.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to the top three contestants of the 2026 competition. Esobavanwan David from the University of Benin secured first place, followed by Godswill Uzoechina from the University of Nigeria in second place, and Israel Feranmi from Ladoke Akintola University in third place.

The winners were recognized for their research, original arguments, and structural proposals addressing maternal and child healthcare challenges. The panel of judges responsible for evaluating next year’s entries have been announced.

They include Dr. Aramide Kolawole, Dr. Ushakuma Anenga, Dr. Edesiri Ighorodje, Dr. Danbuba Umar, and Mr. Awala Bemigho. Attendees and participants expressed appreciation for the platform, noting its role in fostering evidence-based thinking and academic engagement among Nigerian medical students.