The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is pleased to announce the commencement of its 9th Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition, scheduled for 2025.

 Essay Topic
Sustaining Local Content Policies in The Transforming Oil And Gas Industry

This year’s theme invites students to critically examine the sustainability of local content policies amidst the dynamic shifts in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Entrants are expected to explore innovative strategies, policy implications, and industry relevance in their submissions.

Contest Eligibility and Rules
The competition is open exclusively to 100–200 level students enrolled in public or private universities and polytechnics across Nigeria. To ensure transparency and academic integrity, participants must adhere to the following guidelines:

1.  Entrants must submit either a valid letter of admission or a signed letter of attestation from their Head of Department (HOD).

2. All essays must be original works written specifically for this competition. Co-authorship is strictly prohibited.

3. Each participant is allowed only one submission.

4. Manuscripts must not exceed 1,500 words

5. Each entry must include the entrant’s phone number and email address

6. Names must not appear on the manuscript itself but should be included on a separate file page. This will be removed during the anonymized review process.

7. Short-listed candidates will be invited for a third and final interactive assessment on or before September 15, 2025.

Prizes and Recognition
The NCDMB will award generous cash prizes to the top three winners:

- 1st Prize– ₦1,000,000

- 2nd Prize – ₦700,000

- 3rd Prize – ₦500,000

In addition, all top 10 national finalists will receive a laptop to support their academic and professional development.

Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be judged by a panel of experts based on the following:

- Clarity of Expression

- Spelling and Grammar

- Originality of Thought

- Depth of Analysis

- Relevance to Industry

- Conformity to Contest Rules

All essays will undergo a plagiarism check to ensure authenticity and originality.

Award Ceremony and Publication
The award and prize-giving ceremony will take place on September 26, 2025. The winning essay will be published in the NCDMB’s official magazine, Local Content Digest, offering national recognition and visibility to the author.

Deadline: August 31, 2025

Submission Portal: https://ncdmbessay.ng/2025/

Note: Late or hard copy submissions will not be accepted.

This competition presents a unique opportunity for young scholars to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s local content discourse. Interested students are encouraged to begin preparing their entries early and ensure full compliance with the contest rules.