7th Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay Competition 2027 for Nigerian Undergraduates

The Asido Foundation has opened applications for the 7th edition of the Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay Competition (JAME), inviting undergraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions to contribute to an important conversation about mental health, human rights and the treatment of suicide attempts in Nigeria.

The 2027 competition focuses on the theme:

“From Punishment to Protection: Decriminalising Attempted Suicide in Nigeria and Its Implications for Mental Health Stigma and Human Rights.”

Through this year's theme, the competition challenges students to examine the implications of criminalising attempted suicide and consider how a more compassionate, rights-based approach could influence mental health awareness, access to support and the treatment of affected individuals.

Competition Theme

From Punishment to Protection: Decriminalising Attempted Suicide in Nigeria and Its Implications for Mental Health Stigma and Human Rights.

Participants are expected to develop original arguments around the theme, examining the relationship between the criminalisation of attempted suicide, mental health stigma and human rights in Nigeria.

Prizes and Benefits

The Asido Foundation's JAME programme provides cash prizes and opportunities for further engagement in mental health advocacy.

- First Prize: ₦200,000

- Second Prize: ₦150,000

- Third Prize: ₦100,000

Eligibility Requirements:

To participate in the 7th edition, applicants must:

1. Be an undergraduate student in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

2. Be able to provide valid proof of studentship.

3. Sign the Asido Foundation's Unashamed Pledge.

Sign the Asido Foundation Unashamed Pledg:

https://asidofoundation.com/unashamed

Essay Submission Guidelines

Applicants must comply with the following instructions:

- The essay must be between 750 and 1,500 words.

- Submissions must be in Microsoft Word document format.

- The essay must address the announced competition theme.

- Applicants must upload a scanned copy of a recent photograph.

- Proof of studentship must be provided.

- Applicants must upload their Unashamed Pledge certificate.

Application Deadline

7 December 2026

How to Apply

Interested and eligible undergraduates should:

1. Read and understand the competition theme.

2. Sign the Asido Foundation's Unashamed Pledge and obtain the certificate.

3. Prepare an original essay of between 750 and 1,500 words in Microsoft Word format.

4. Prepare a scanned recent photograph and valid proof of studentship.

5. Submit the essay and required documents through the official application portal.

Application link:

https://bit.ly/JAME2027

Award Ceremony

The award ceremony is scheduled for:

- Date: 25 February 2027

- Venue: International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

The top three winners are required to attend the award ceremony physically.

Applicants should take note of this attendance requirement when deciding to participate.

Official competition information:

https://www.asidofoundation.com/impact/programs/jame-essay-competition

Official website:

https://www.asidofoundation.com/

Important Information:

The organisers have expressly stated that AI-generated essays and plagiarism in any form will result in automatic disqualification.

Applicants should therefore ensure that their submissions are their own original work and comply with the competition's instructions.

The competition also provides mentorship opportunities for the top 15 winners through a year-long mental health fellowship programme.

All winners are presented with award plaques, while the top three receive the cash prizes.

The competition is open to undergraduates irrespective of their course of study.

Applicants can sign the pledge through the Foundation's official platform.

Late submissions may not be considered.

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are uploaded before submitting the application.