NCDMB opens 10th national undergraduate essay competition
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced the commencement of entries for the 10th edition of its Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition, aimed at promoting research, innovation and critical thinking among young Nigerians on issues of local content development.
According to the Board, entries will open on August 15, 2026, and the competition is open to 100- and 200-level undergraduate students in Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The theme for this year’s competition is “Promoting Manufacturing for Sustainable Local Content Development.” Participants are expected to examine how Nigeria can strengthen local manufacturing capacity to support sustainable local content development, drive industrial growth and reduce dependence on imports, particularly in the energy sector.
The NCDMB said the annual competition has become an important platform for nurturing the next generation of innovators and policy thinkers by encouraging students to develop practical ideas that can contribute to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
In a statement signed by Eyinimi Omorozi, Managing Director and Project Consultant, the Board noted that the initiative is designed to improve students’ research and analytical skills while inspiring them to develop the competencies required to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s energy industry.
Interested students are expected to submit their entries through the competition portal, www.ncdmbessay.ng, once the application window opens.
The competition will culminate in an awards ceremony scheduled for October 22, 2026, at the NCDMB headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where outstanding participants will be honoured for their intellectual contributions and innovative ideas.
Over the past decade, the NCDMB Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition has evolved into one of the country’s foremost academic initiatives, providing a platform for students to engage with national development issues while proposing practical solutions to deepen local content, strengthen manufacturing and enhance Nigeria’s economic resilience.
