9th NCDMB Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition, 2025

CONTEST RULES

• Eligibility: This contest is open only to 100–200 level students in public and private Universities and Polytechnics in Nigeria.
• Proof of Studentship: Entrants must submit either a letter of admission or a signed letter of attestation from their Head of Department (HOD).
• Originality: All essays must be original works specifically written for the competition.
• No Co-authorship: Co-authorship of essay is not permitted.
• Single Entry: Entrants are to submit only one entry.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Submission Period: The competition opens on the 1st of August, 2025. Completed manuscripts and accompanying documents must be submitted to www.ncdmbessay.ng on or before 31st August, 2025.
• Late Submissions: Late manuscripts will not be considered.
• Format: Hard copy submissions will not be accepted.
• Word Count: Manuscripts must not exceed 1,500 words.
• Anonymity: Contact information of entrant including phone number, school information and email address must not be included with the content of submission.
• No Email Submissions: Manuscripts submitted through email will not be considered.

ASSESSMENT & TIMELINE

• Assessment Notification: Short-listed entrants will be contacted for the 3rd and final round interactive assessment on or before 15th September, 2025.
• Award Ceremony: The award/prize giving ceremony comes up 26th September, 2025.
• Publication: The winning essay will be published in the NCDMB's in-house magazine, Local Content Digest.

PRIZES

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Clarity of Expression
• Spelling and Grammar
• Originality of Thought
• Depth of Analysis
• Relevance to Industry
• Conformity to Contest Rules