Three students emerge winners of 2024 Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition

A student of Christ the King International School, Gbagada, Lagos, Flourish Olaoye, Nora Femi-Lawal of Chrisland High School, Lekki, and Olayimika Esther Durotimi of Corona Secondary School, Agbara, have emerged winners of this year’s Mike Okonkwo national essay competition for secondary schools.

The Chief Examiner, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, said the three winners tackled the topics with a level of thoughtfulness appropriate for their age, adding that they conveyed their ideas in a manner befitting exceptional students.

“Their command of the English language structures highlighted their meticulous nature and significant potential,” Adimora-Ezeigbo added. She also commented on the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT; Google Assistant, and Gemini, along with online services that produce and sell essays to students, saying they have become commonplace in the country’s educational system.

The university teacher noted that since we can no longer avoid these technologies, we must adapt to them and remain vigilant in finding ways to mitigate their negative impact on knowledge production.

While reflecting on the direction scientific advancements are leading the country, Adimora-Ezeigbo said the seven students invited to the finals offer a glimmer of hope

They have engaged with issues, using both their hearts and minds, employing original thought within the framework of knowledge production methodologies. These students are the ones who, through their creativity, generate the content that technology often feeds upon. We must, therefore, encourage them by sharpening their critical thinking skills, recognising their contributions, and rewarding their efforts,” she added.

For their exemplary performance, Olaoye will receive N500,000, along with a trophy and plaque, while her school will be rewarded with a set of computers. Femi-Lawal will take home N250,000 and a plaque, with her school also receiving a set of computers.

For placing third in this year’s competition, Miss Olayimika Esther Durotimi will be awarded N150,000, a plaque, and a computer set for her school. The remaining finalists will each receive a consolation prize of N20,000.

The winners, alongside their schools, will be honoured at the 23rd Mike Okonkwo yearly lecture series, themed: “Nigeria’s pathways: Diagnosis and prescriptions.” The event, billed to hold on September 5, at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, would also feature a lecture that will be delivered by Kanu Agabi.

The Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition was launched in 2004 to commemorate the founder’s birthday. Beyond the celebration, the competition aimed at contributing to the development of the country’s education system.

The essay competition has sparked a heightened interest in research, extensive reading, and constructive writing among participating students. Apart from rekindling their reading and writing culture, the competition also offered a platform for students to express their views on crucial issues, impacting the socio-economic development of the nation.

It also played a role in advancing Information and Communications Technology (ICT) development in secondary schools, particularly within government-owned institutions.