Agburum Clinton Chimenem, a student of Deeper Life High School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has emerged as the star prize winner of the 2026 Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition.

The yearly competition is free and open to all secondary school students across Nigeria.

Agburum scored an average of 79 per cent across the three stages of the competition to secure the top spot.

He defeated Alimi-Adeiga Mosorireoluwa of Holyland Senior College, Ipaja, Lagos, who scored 75 per cent, and Oloruntimilehin Elijah Oladipo of Isolo Comprehensive Senior High School, Lagos, who finished with 70 per cent, to claim second and third positions, respectively.

On his achievement, Agburum will receive a cash prize of one million, laptop and a plaque, while the first and second runners-up will also go home with laptop and plaque.

They will all receive their prizes at the upcoming Bishop Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture series, scheduled for Thursday.

The Chief Examiner, Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo, announced the results in a statement signed by Pastor Anthony Samuel on behalf of the organisers.

Ezeigbo disclosed that out of over 1,000 entries received, only 850 met the criteria for review by the assessment panel.

She noted that many of the submissions demonstrated how science and technology are transforming education delivery, proving that students are actively positioning themselves to explore this new era.

According to the Chief Examiner, Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled many participants to produce more detailed and factual essays than the traditional curriculum would allow, where students rely solely on what they are taught in class.

Speaking on the winning essay, Ezeigbo explained that the writer successfully demonstrated how AI has become a valuable tool for learning.

The student’s essay highlighted how AI is reshaping various fields — including medicine, geography, entertainment, and politics — while making life easier and work more efficient.

She added that the lecture series has established itself as a vital platform for discussing critical issues and cross-fertilising ideas aimed at moving the nation forward.