Peter Ameh of Obafemi Awolowo University has emerged overall winner of the 2025 National Engineering Science and Technology Essay Competition (NESTEC) 5.0 Award Ceremony with 76.33 percent.
Miss Mbanwusi Odirachukwunma from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), came second with an aggregate score of 76 percent while Mr Eka Michael, Akwa Ibom State University, came third scoring 74.33 percent.
The winners emerged out of nine finalists, who took their presentations at the virtual award ceremony.
Participants were drawn from across tertiary institutions in the nation from several students who submitted papers online.
The three winners received cash rewards of ₦500,000; ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 each for the first (Peter Ameh), second and third positions respectively.
The programme was organised by the Blue Apple Educational Foundation (BAEF) in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Nigeria Section.
BAEF is a group focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation (STEI) in Nigeria.
BAEF President, Mr Michael Akan, during the presentation of the cash prizes explained the strict transparent selection process that led to the emergence of the nine finalists.
He said several papers were disqualified by assessors leaving only nine finalists.
Earlier, while making his opening speech, Akan explained the vision of the competition including, unlocking and nurturing young innovators in engineering and technology, promoting research and expanding global opportunities for talents.
He explained successes recorded through BAEF including STEI Journals publications and mentorship to guide the next generation of STEI leaders.
He thanked participants, partners, board members and other stakeholders for their continued collaboration.
Akan said the first three award ceremonies held physically in Lagos, with the fourth and fifth holding virtually, adding that, considerations were on to make the next one physical.
Chairman of the occasion, Dr Victor Udo, explained various opportunities in science, urging participants to continue to harness them not just through essays but in practice.
He said the event to celebrate the writers was not just a competition but a movement for critical thinking that makes a global impact.
