There’s a fresh opportunity to turn ideas into impact—and cash prizes—as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) rolls out its 2026 National Essay
Competition.
The contest is open to three groups: secondary school students, undergraduates, and NYSC Emergency Management Volunteers, with a total of ₦3 million to be won across the categories.
Each group has a different focus.
Secondary school students are to write on “My Role in Disaster Risk Reduction” (maximum of 500 words), while undergraduates will address “Climate Change and Disaster Management in Nigeria” (up to 1,000 words).
NYSC volunteers, on the other hand, are expected to explore “Technology for Disaster Response: Opportunities and Challenges,” also within 1,000 words.
Entries must be original and submitted as Word documents (Times New Roman, size 12), alongside the participant’s details, to nemaessay@nema.gov.ng on or before April 15, 2026.
Top entries in each category will receive ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000 respectively.
According to NEMA, submissions will be judged based on how well they address the topic, the originality of ideas, and how clearly they are presented.
Beyond the prize money, the competition creates space for young people to think through real-life issues—how disasters happen, how they affect communities, and what smarter responses could look like in today’s world.
Credit: ThePunch
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