The 2024 NCDMB Undergraduate Essay Competition is now open, giving Nigerian students a chance to showcase their academic skills and creativity. Organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the contest encourages students to address key issues in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with a focus on local content development. This year’s theme, “Nigerian Content and Opportunities in African Local Content Advancement,” invites participants to explore how local content can drive growth across Africa, positioning Nigeria as a leader in the sector.
Open to 100 and 200-level students in Nigerian universities and polytechnics, the competition offers substantial cash prizes and recognition. Now in its 8th edition, it aims to inspire young minds to contribute to the future of local content in Nigeria’s vital industries.
Entry Guidelines and Requirements
To enter the 2024 NCDMB Undergraduate Essay Competition, students must submit their essays via the official NCDMB portal. Essays should be original, no longer than 1,500 words, and focus on local content’s role in Africa’s oil and gas sector. Submissions are accepted from 16th September to 31st October 2024. Entrants must also provide an admission letter or attestation from their department head.
Essays should not include personal information, and co-authorship is prohibited. Only one entry per student is allowed, and late submissions will not be considered.
Evaluation Criteria and Prizes
Essays will be judged based on several factors, including originality, depth of analysis, clarity of expression, and relevance to the oil and gas industry. The NCDMB is also particularly focused on ensuring that essays align with the contest rules and are free from plagiarism. A rigorous evaluation process will be conducted to select the winners, with a plagiarism check being part of the review to maintain fairness.
The cash prizes for the winners of the 2024 NCDMB Undergraduate Essay Competition are significant:
- 1st Prize: ₦1,000,000
- 2nd Prize: ₦700,000
- 3rd Prize: ₦500,000
In addition to these rewards, the top 10 finalists will each receive a brand-new laptop, and the winning essay will be published in the NCDMB’s official magazine, Local Content Digest. The prize-giving ceremony is scheduled for 14th November 2024, where winners will receive their awards and be celebrated for their intellectual contributions to the oil and gas sector.
How to Apply for the 2024 NCDMB Undergraduate Essay Competition
Follow these steps to apply for the 2024 NCDMB Undergraduate Essay Competition:
- Visit the Official NCDMB Portal: Go to the NCDMB competition page here.
- Prepare Your Essay: Write an original essay based on the theme “Nigerian Content and Opportunities in African Local Content Advancement” (maximum of 1,500 words).
- Submit Your Essay: Upload your essay along with supporting documents (e.g. admission letter or attestation from your department head).
- Confirm Submission: Ensure all details are correctly entered before submitting.
Make sure to complete your submission before the deadline of 31st October 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the essay topic for the 2024 NCDMB Undergraduate Essay Competition?
The topic for the 2024 NCDMB Undergraduate Essay Competition is “Nigerian Content and Opportunities in African Local Content Advancement.” This theme invites students to explore how local content can enhance opportunities for Nigerians and other Africans in the oil and gas industry. Essays should present innovative and practical ideas on how local content can be a driver of economic growth.
Who can participate in the 2024 NCDMB Undergraduate Essay Competition?
The competition is open to all 100 and 200-level undergraduate students from both public and private universities and polytechnics in Nigeria. Students are required to submit their essays online before the deadline of 31st October 2024. Supporting documents such as an admission letter or attestation from the head of department must also be provided.
What are the prizes for the 2024 NCDMB Undergraduate Essay Competition?
The top three winners will receive cash prizes: ₦1,000,000 for the first place, ₦700,000 for the second place, and ₦500,000 for the third place. Additionally, the top 10 finalists will each receive a laptop, and the winning essay will be published in the NCDMB’s Local Content Digest.
The NCDMB’s essay competition continues to be a significant platform for promoting local content in Nigeria, inspiring students to think critically about the role they can play in advancing the country’s economy through innovative ideas.