The 19th edition of the Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Nigerian secondary schools has been won by Flourish Olaoye from Christ the King International School, Gbagada, Lagos.
According to a statement by the organization, out of the 551 essay entries received from secondary schools across Nigeria, 341 essays were disqualified for various reasons.
Olaoye achieved a score of 71% in the initial round and 75% in the final round, held at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission International Headquarters, Gbagada, Lagos, resulting in a total average score of 73%.
In the second position was Nora Femi-Lawal from Chrisland High School, Lekki, with scores of 65% and 64% in the first and final rounds, respectively, leading to an average score of 64.5%.
Olayimika Durotimi from Corona Secondary School, Agbara, secured the third position with scores of 62% and 60% in the first and final rounds, averaging at 61%.
The Chief Examiner, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, praised the winners for their thoughtful engagement with the topics at hand, emphasizing their exceptional language skills and insightful ideas. She also highlighted the increasing presence of AI tools and online essay services in the education sector.
As we navigate technological advancements, the importance of encouraging students to think critically and produce original content becomes paramount.
In recognition of their achievements, Olaoye will receive a cheque of N500,000, a trophy, and a plaque, with her school being awarded a set of computers.
Nora Femi-Lawal, the second-place winner, will be presented with a cheque for N250,000 and a plaque, along with computers for her school.
Olayimika Esther Durotimi, the third-place winner, will receive a cheque of N150,000, a plaque, and computers for her school. Each of the other finalists will be awarded a consolation prize of N20,000.
The winners and their schools will be acknowledged at the 23rd Bishop Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture Series, themed ‘Nigeria’s Pathways: Diagnosis and Prescriptions.’
This event is scheduled to take place in Lagos on Thursday, September 5, 2024. The lecture will be delivered by Barrister Kanu Agabi, a prominent Nigerian lawyer and politician, while Mr. Atedo Peterside, the President and Founder of ANAP Foundation, will chair the event.
The Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition was initiated in 2004 as part of the birthday celebrations of Dr. Mike Okonkwo, the Presiding Bishop of TREM.