Paul Alaje Colloquium National Essay Competition 2026: Win Up to ₦1 Million

The Paul Alaje Colloquium (TPAC) has announced its 2026 National Essay and Article Competition, inviting Nigerian students to explore how the country can strengthen its global reputation under the theme “The Brand Nigeria.”

The competition is open to students in secondary schools, undergraduate programmes and postgraduate programmes, with cash prizes for the top entry in each category.

Competition Benefits

The grand prizes are:

Postgraduate category: ₦1,000,000

Undergraduate category: ₦750,000

Secondary school category: ₦500,000

Essay Topics and Word Limits

1. Postgraduate Category

Topic: The Brand Nigeria, Beyond the Negative Narratives: Examining the Role of Governance, Innovation, Culture, and Citizens' Responsibility in Shaping Nigeria's Brand and Global Perception.

Word limit: 2,500–3,000 words.

2. Undergraduate Category

Topic: The Brand Nigeria: From Potential to Global Recognition — How Can Education, Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Creativity Help Strengthen Nigeria's Global Brand?

Word limit: 2,500–3,000 words.

3. Secondary School Category

Topic: The Brand Nigeria Starts With Me: How Can Good Character, Patriotism, Hard Work, and Innovation Help Build Nigeria's Image and Reputation?

Word limit: 1,000–1,500 words.

Eligibility Requirements

The competition has three categories for:

Secondary school students.

Undergraduate students.

Postgraduate students.

Applicants should select the category corresponding to their current educational level. The official announcement does not provide a specific age limit.

Submission Requirements

Applicants must ensure that their essays:

Are original and previously unpublished.

Follow the word limit for the selected category.

Are typed, double-spaced and formatted in 12-point Times New Roman.

Are submitted in PDF or Word format.

Include a cover page with the applicant's full name, institution, educational level or class, contact details and category.

Each participant may submit only one entry. Plagiarised or AI-generated submissions will be disqualified.

How to Apply

Visit the official competition page.

Read the instructions for your educational category.

Prepare an original essay that answers the assigned topic.

Check the word count and formatting requirements.

Complete the online submission form and upload your entry.

Official Competition Page: https://tpacolloquium.org/essay2026/

Application Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeheWj9A6SWdrXeJJSvLhNC92PGTh7rrMgG4UjDDV-dxtzqaQ/viewform?usp=send_form

Application Deadline

30 October 2026

Important information:

The winners are scheduled to be announced at the Paul Alaje Colloquium 2026 event on 21 November 2026 at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Kado, Abuja.