16-year-old medical student from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Josephine Oyinkansola Akande, has emerged the overall winner of the 2025 Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition.
The 9th edition of the competition’s prize-giving ceremony was held at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Josephine Oyinkansola Akande, a 200-level student from Osun State, surpassed nine other finalists to clinch the first prize of one million Naira and an HP laptop, among other awards.
The first runner-up was 23-year-old Mr. Sonuga Sultan Opeyemi, a 200-level medical student at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, who received 700,000 Naira and a laptop.
The second runner-up, 200-level Computer Science student of the University of Uyo, Miss Amarachi Precious Aguigwe, won 500,000 Naira and a laptop.
Other finalists also received HP laptops as consolation prizes, while all ten finalists were presented with copies of the book “Nigeria’s Local Content: A Journey of Strategic Communication and Economic Transformation”, authored by NCDMB’s General Manager, Corporate Communications Division, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi.
In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to fostering local content awareness among undergraduates. He explained that the essay competition was designed “to inculcate local content consciousness among undergraduates in our higher institutions” and promote the understanding that local content is essential for sustainable economic development.
Engr. Ogbe added that the initiative also aims to encourage liberal arts education and equip youths with crucial soft skills — such as analytical thinking and problem-solving — needed in the emerging digital economy. He noted the relevance of this year’s theme: “Sustaining Local Content Policies in the Transitioning Oil and Gas Industry,” considering the ongoing global concerns around energy transition and Nigeria’s need to maintain energy security.
Represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, Chief Supervisor, Government Relations, the Executive Secretary commended the programme consultant, Mahogany 21st Century Concepts Limited, and the judging panel for ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the CEO of Mahogany 21st Century Concepts, Mr. Eyinimi Omorozi, applauded the NCDMB for its consistent support of the competition since its inception nine years ago. He also commended the professionalism of the judges and the enthusiasm of the participants.
The Chairman of the occasion, Professor Barclays Ayakoromo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) at the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, praised the NCDMB for promoting academic excellence and intellectual engagement among undergraduates across the country.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, represented by Mr. Teleola Oyeleke of the Corporate Communications Division, congratulated the finalists and pledged the Board’s continued support for the programme. He reiterated the NCDMB’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of thought leaders, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.
The event was well attended by students and representatives from various tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Among the top 10 finalists were Abdullahi Abubakar Lawal of Baze University, Abuja; Miss God’s Glory Isaiah Iyah of University of Uyo; and Usman Mohammed Tahiru of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Other finalists included Lawal Imran Olayemi from Afe Babalola University; Khadijah O. Ogunleke, University of Sokoto; Folayemi Halleluyah Idowu of OAU; and Maryam Hamzat of Usmanu Danfodio University.
The NCDMB Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition remains a flagship initiative of the Board, promoting writing skills, research, and policy development among Nigerian undergraduates while fostering local content advocacy nationwide.
