Application Deadline: November 14, 2025 (11:59 PM WAT).
Applications are now open for the 2025 UN SDSN Youth Nigeria National Essay Competition. The Sterling Team, in collaboration with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Nigeria, is pleased to announce the National Essay Competition for Secondary School Students 2025, a nationwide creative writing challenge aimed at engaging and empowering young Nigerians to take action for the environment and climate.
This initiative provides a platform for senior secondary school students across Nigeria to express their ideas, creativity, and understanding of how climate challenges within their communities can be transformed into opportunities for sustainable growth. Through this competition, students are encouraged to think critically, write persuasively, and share innovative solutions that can drive local and national change.
The competition forms part of activities lined up to commemorate the National Sustainability Week, reflecting the organizers’ shared commitment to promoting environmental awareness, youth engagement, and sustainable development.
Essay Topic: “Turning Climate Challenges in My Community into Opportunities for Growth.”
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to only current senior secondary school students (SS1–SS3).
- Applicants must be enrolled in a public or government-owned school in any state across Nigeria.
- Each school and student is allowed to submit only one entry.
- Applicants must accurately complete the application form, including the contact information of their teacher or principal for verification purposes.
Submission Guidelines - Essays must be typed, original, and not exceed 1,000 words.
- AI-generated or plagiarized content is strictly prohibited; any detected violation will result in immediate disqualification.
- Each applicant is required to record and submit a 2–3 minute video presentation of their essay as proof of authorship.
- All videos must be recorded in portrait (vertical) format with clear audio and visual quality to ensure fair evaluation.
- Submission Deadline: November 14, 2025 (11:59 PM WAT).
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the UN SDSN Youth Nigeria National Essay Competition
