The ITET Gem Foundation has officially launched its 2026 Essay Competition, calling on senior secondary school students across Nigeria to share their perspectives on the future of technology.
This year’s theme focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to reshape the nation’s socioeconomic landscape.
Titled “The Urgency of Now: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Nigerian Youth,” the contest challenges students to examine how AI influences education, employment, and innovation.
With Nigeria’s youth representing over 60% of the population, the foundation seeks original ideas on how to prepare the next generation to lead in the digital era.
Funding and benefits
High-achieving participants stand to earn significant financial rewards, with the first-place winner receiving N200,000.00.
The second and third-place prizes are set at N150,000.00 and N100,000.00, respectively, to support the winners’ academic pursuits.
Beyond the cash incentives, selected participants will gain access to dedicated mentorship and professional guidance.
This initiative aims to nurture “future-ready” leaders by providing them with the tools and intellectual engagement necessary for personal development.
Application requirements and eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must be Nigerian citizens currently residing in Nigeria.
The competition is strictly open to students who are presently enrolled in a Senior Secondary School within the country.
Entries must be original works written in English, demonstrating clear argumentation and practical insight into the risks and opportunities of AI.
The foundation emphasizes that essays must be the student’s own work and should address specific themes such as ethical concerns and digital skills.
Students are required to submit their entries through the official submission portal located at https://itetgemfoundation.com/submit-essay/.
The foundation has specified that they will only review entries submitted through their verified digital channels.
Deadline
Aspiring applicants must submit their work before the submission deadline on 15 May 2026.
The competition officially opened on 1 April, and the foundation has clarified that no late submissions will be accepted under any circumstances.
To apply, visit ITET call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
