Apply Now: Win ₦1m in Nigeria Sustainability Essay Competition 2026
Senior secondary school students across Nigeria have an opportunity to win up to ₦1 million through the 2026 Nigeria Sustainability Essay Competition.
Young people are invited to develop innovative ideas for tackling environmental challenges in their schools and communities.
The competition provides a platform for students to demonstrate their creativity, research abilities and problem-solving skills while contributing ideas that can promote environmental protection and sustainable development.
The initiative is supported by The Alternative Bank, One Foundation, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Nigeria and Sterling, with additional support from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Nigerian Cleanup Initiative.
Under the competition, participants are expected to write on the theme: “My School, My Community and Innovative Solutions for Environmental Sustainability.”
Students are encouraged to identify environmental problems affecting their immediate surroundings and propose practical, creative and sustainable solutions that can make a positive difference.
Competition Prizes
The organisers will reward the three best entries with cash prizes as follows:
- First Prize: ₦1,000,000
- Second Prize: ₦700,000
- Third Prize: ₦500,000
Beyond the financial rewards, the competition offers students an opportunity to showcase their ideas, strengthen their writing and critical-thinking abilities, and gain recognition for their contributions to environmental sustainability.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to Nigerian senior secondary school students who meet the following requirements:
- Must be enrolled in Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1), SS2 or SS3.
- Must attend a recognised secondary school in Nigeria.
- Must have an interest in environmental sustainability, innovation and community development.
- Must be willing to develop an essay addressing the prescribed competition theme.
Students from different parts of the country are encouraged to participate.
Essay Topic and Guidelines
The prescribed essay theme is “My School, My Community and Innovative Solutions for Environmental Sustainability.”
Participants are expected to examine environmental challenges within their schools or communities and present innovative approaches to addressing them.
Possible areas to explore include waste management, plastic pollution, recycling, water conservation, renewable energy, sanitation, tree planting and other environmental concerns.
A strong submission should identify a specific problem, explain its causes and effects, propose a practical solution and demonstrate how the suggested intervention could improve the school or community.
Applicants should consult the official competition guidelines for the required essay format, word limit and other submission instructions.
How to Apply for the Nigeria Sustainability Essay Competition 2026
Interested and eligible students should follow these steps to participate:
- Read the official competition information and application guidelines.
- Develop an original essay addressing the prescribed sustainability theme.
- Visit the official application portal.
- Complete the application form with the required personal and school information.
- Submit the essay and any other requested details before the deadline.
Application Form: https://forms.gle/Fn9MKhsAEuJK5R5c8
Competition Guidelines: https://bit.ly/nscbrief2026
Students are encouraged to ensure that their submissions are original and comply with the organisers’ requirements.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Nigeria Sustainability Essay Competition 2026 is November 20, 2026.
Eligible senior secondary school students interested in the competition are encouraged to prepare their essays and submit their applications before the closing date.
