Nigeria Sustainability Essay Competition 2026: Win ₦1 Million

Nigerian senior secondary school students can compete for cash prizes of up to ₦1 million in the Nigeria Sustainability Essay Competition 2026.

The competition invites students to develop innovative ideas for addressing environmental challenges affecting their schools and communities. It aims to encourage young Nigerians to think critically about sustainability and propose practical solutions that can make a difference in their immediate surroundings.

According to an announcement published by SDSN Nigeria, applications are open to students in Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1), SS2 and SS3 attending recognised secondary schools across Nigeria.

Prizes

Position Prize First place: ₦1,000,000

Second place: ₦700,000

Third place: ₦500,000

Eligibility Requirements

The competition is open to:

Students currently in Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1).

Students currently in Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2).

Students currently in Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3).

Students attending recognised secondary schools in Nigeria.

Competition Theme

"My School, My Community and Innovative Solutions for Environmental Sustainability"

How to Prepare a Strong Entry

A strong essay should demonstrate an understanding of a real environmental challenge and explain how it could be addressed.

Students should consider the following approach:

1. Identify a specific problem. Choose an environmental challenge affecting your school or community.

2. Explain the problem. Describe its causes, effects and the people affected. Use reliable evidence or direct observations where possible.

3. Propose an innovative solution. Explain what should be done, who should participate and what resources may be required.

4. Demonstrate feasibility. Show how the proposed solution could realistically be implemented within the school or community.

5. Explain the expected impact. Describe how the solution could improve environmental conditions and how its success could be measured.

The final entry must follow the official competition guidelines, including any specified word limit and formatting requirements.

How to Apply

Interested students should use the application link.

Application form:

https://bit.ly/nigeriasc2026

Competition information brief:

https://bit.ly/nscbrief2026

Application Deadline:

20 November 2026.

Important Information:

The Nigeria Sustainability Essay Competition 2026 offers senior secondary school students an opportunity to demonstrate their writing, research and problem-solving abilities while competing for cash prizes.

The deadline is confirmed in SDSN Nigeria's public announcement. Applicants should submit their entries early enough to resolve any difficulties with the application form.

Eligible students should review the official brief carefully and ensure that their entries respond directly to the competition theme.

Participants are expected to consider how their schools and communities can contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Rather than discussing environmental problems only in general terms, students should consider a specific challenge, explain its effects and develop a practical solution.

Possible areas to explore include waste management, plastic pollution, recycling, water conservation, renewable energy, tree planting, drainage, food waste and sustainable school practices.

These examples are suggestions for developing an essay idea. Applicants should check the official brief for any prescribed essay question or additional instructions.

Applicants should read the information brief, confirm their eligibility, follow the instructions and submit their entries before the deadline.

Students should also consult their teachers or school administrators if the application instructions require school endorsement or supporting documentation.