Osun State Government has commenced the 2021 edition of its annual national essay competition in commemoration of the nation’s independence day.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Mr Olalekan Badmus, Osun government said the competition is part of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s deliberate efforts to promote reading and writing culture among students in secondary and tertiary institutions.
The statement read in part: “The essay competition is part of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s education initiative aimed at promoting reading and writing culture, encouraging healthy and intellectual competition amongst secondary schools and tertiary institutions students, engaging them as thinkers and solution providers to Nigeria`s myriad of challenges, which remains one of the core values of Osun`s Omoluabi ethos.
“Just like it was conceptualized from last year, the essay competition is guided by the principle of re-igniting interest for promotion of academic excellence amongst students in both secondary schools and tertiary institution of Osun state (Citizens and Residents), equally passionate about the culture of learning and sharing valuable knowledge with emphasis on restoring the lost fortunes of the education sector in Nigeria, encourage and motivate our young and youthful Osun students to lofty heights in every of their dreams, aspirations and future ambitions”, the statement read in part.
It also announced the terms for participation in the competition, stating that students must either be citizens of Osun state or resident within Osun State.
It continued: “This year’s edition has been modified to accommodate students from Public and Private Secondary Schools operating and located within Osun state. The choice of topics for this year’s edition in both categories was carefully scripted to promote creative and analytical thinking in students while helping them become problem solvers.
“For secondary school students, the topic of the essay is – ‘Using SWOT analysis, discuss extensively Osun State 30th Anniversary and the future ahead: My Perspective’. Entries must not be less than 1,200 words.
“For students in tertiary institutions, the topic of the essay is – ‘Unveiling the security architecture and daunting challenges in all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria and proffer working solutions towards a peaceful, sustainable and indivisible Nigeria’. Entries must not be less than 1,800 words.
“Entries must be submitted as attachment in Microsoft Word or PDF format ONLY, and detailed information of the entrants should be included at the beginning of the essay which must include name, contact address, name of school or institution, email address, phone number. All entrants must attach their local government of identification certificate and school identity card.
“The category of the entrant (Secondary School or Tertiary Institution) must be the subject of the mail, and only one entry is allowed per entrant, as multiple entries from the same entrant will lead to disqualification.
“Submissions that do not follow the rules and guidelines of the essay competition will be disregarded.
“Only twenty-five (25) successful participants will be contacted in each category after thorough scrutiny and assessment by our panelists. Entries will be judged on the basis of originality, creativity, good expression of English language and relevance to essay topic.
“Deadline for the submission of all entries is Tuesday, 31st of August, 2021, and all entries should be submitted to osunessay2021@osunstate.gov.ng
“The prize presentation day for the essay competition will hold on Friday, 1st of October, 2021”, it added.
