The SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC) is an annual event aimed at fostering innovative thinking among primary and secondary school students in Nigeria. It provides a platform for young minds to propose technological solutions to national challenges.

Purpose:
Inaugurated in 2020, the CDEC is part of SystemSpecs' Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to promoting capacity development in the Nigerian ICT industry. By encouraging young Nigerians to tackle everyday issues, the competition contributes to intellectual growth and societal progress.

Topic:
The theme for the 2024 competition is "Protecting the Nigerian Child from the Dangers of Online Technology." Participants are tasked with exploring strategies to safeguard children in an increasingly digital world.

Eligibility:
- Open to primary and secondary school students in Nigeria aged 9 to 16.

- Junior category (ages 9 to 12) essays must not exceed 1,000 words.

- Senior category (ages 13 to 16) essays must not exceed 1,500 words.

Prizes:

- Winners will receive generous rewards, including a high-capacity laptop, premium headphones, a portable laptop stand, a smart wristwatch, and one year of internet data, among other items.

- Consolation prizes will be awarded to other participants.

Application Process:

- Interested candidates should access the application page 

- Essays must be written in English and reflect original thought.

- Each participant is limited to one entry.

- Entries must be endorsed by an accredited school official, parent, or legal guardian.

- Deadline for submissions is April 12, 2024.

Submission Guidelines:

- All submissions must be in PDF format and include the student's name, home and school addresses, email address, and contact phone number.

- Double entries will result in automatic disqualification.

- Submissions must be received by March 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Notification of Winners:

- Successful students and schools will be contacted in the second quarter of the year.

- Updates on winners will be announced on @nercng social media platforms.

The SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition offers a unique opportunity for Nigerian students to demonstrate their creativity and problem-solving skills. By addressing the theme of online child protection, participants contribute to building a safer and more secure digital environment for all. We encourage eligible students to seize this opportunity and showcase their talent and ingenuity.