By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced the commencement of the 10th edition of its Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition, providing another opportunity for young Nigerians to contribute ideas that can support the growth of local content and industrial development in the country.
The competition, which opens for entries on August 15, is open to undergraduate students in 100 and 200 levels enrolled in Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
This year’s theme, “Promoting Manufacturing for Sustainable Local Content Development,” challenges participants to examine how Nigeria can strengthen local manufacturing capabilities to support economic growth, create jobs and reduce dependence on imports, particularly within the energy sector.
According to a statement signed by Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager, Corporate Communications Division of NCDMB, the competition has over the years evolved into an important platform for encouraging research, innovation and critical thinking among young Nigerians.
The statement noted that the initiative is designed to enhance students’ research and analytical skills while inspiring them to develop practical solutions to challenges facing Nigeria’s energy industry and the broader economy.
Interested participants are expected to submit their entries through the dedicated competition portal, “NCDMB Essay Competition Portal” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/0), once the application process officially opens.
The Board explained that beyond the prizes attached to the competition, the programme seeks to expose students to issues surrounding local content development and encourage them to play active roles in Nigeria’s industrialisation journey.
According to the statement, the competition will culminate in an award ceremony scheduled for October 22, 2026, at the NCDMB headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where outstanding participants will be recognised for their contributions and innovative ideas.
Over the past decade, the NCDMB Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition has become one of the country’s leading academic initiatives, attracting thousands of entries from students across Nigeria and providing a platform for young scholars to contribute to national development discourse.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals and industry leaders through programmes that promote knowledge, innovation and sustainable local content development.
The statement was signed by Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager, Corporate Communications Division, NCDMB.
