Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) in partnership with Patrick J McGovern foundation, has called for entry for the 2026 National Essay Competition.
The Brain Builder National Essay Competition awards winners of the essay competition with gifts and cash prizes worth ₦1 million.
This post will tell you all that you need to know about the opportunity, who can apply, and how interested and qualified candidates can submit their applications.
Brain Builder National Essay Competition Summary
- Host Country: Nigeria,
- Category: Competitions
- Eligible Country: Nigeria
- Reward: ₦1m Cash Prizes and other awards
- Deadline: April 15, 2026
- Scholarship Alerts: To receive Scholarship Alerts on WhatsApp, Click HERE
Brain Builders Development Youth Initiative National Essay Competition Details:
The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) invites students from tertiary institutions across Nigeria to enter a national essay competition on AI literacy and responsible technology use.
This is an invitation to think critically, argue clearly, and contribute your perspective to one of the most important conversations shaping Nigeria’s future.
BBYDI is a youth-led Nigerian nonprofit and a leading voice on AI literacy, digital rights, and responsible technology use in Nigeria and across Africa.
Essay Topic
“Artificial Intelligence for Public Good: Balancing Innovation, Human Welfare, and Responsible Governance”
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Requirements for Brain Builder National Essay Competition 2026
To be considered for the Brain Builder National Essay Competition, you must:
- Be a current student at a recognised Nigerian tertiary institution (university, polytechnic, college of education, college of technology, monotechnic, school of nursing, or other diploma-awarding institution) with a verifiable student ID
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Submit an original, previously unpublished essay
- Grant BBYDI the right to publish, excerpt, or reference your essay, with attribution, in its publications, learning resources, impact reports, and advocacy materials
Essay Requirements
Word count | 1,200–1,500 words (excluding references) |
Language | English |
Format | Typed, Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced |
Structure | A clear argument with a logical progression, not a general survey of the topic |
A note on AI use: You may use AI tools to support your research and thinking, but the argument, voice, and analysis must be demonstrably your own. Submissions that read as AI-generated without substantive original contribution will be disqualified.
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Benefits of Brain Builders Development Youth Initiative Competition
Prizes and Recognition
1st Place | ₦400,000 |
2nd Place | ₦300,000 |
3rd Place | ₦200,000 |
Top 10 Finalists | ₦100,000 |
Winners will be announced publicly and the top essays will be featured in BBYDI’s publications and advocacy materials.
Essay Guidelines
Your essay should be grounded in the Nigerian context and demonstrate critical thinking, ethical awareness, and a practical understanding of how AI affects real people and communities.
You may approach the theme from any angle, but your argument must be specific and well-evidenced, not a general overview of AI.
To sharpen your focus, consider questions such as:
- How should AI be governed in a specific Nigerian sector — education, healthcare, agriculture, governance, or creative industries — to serve ordinary citizens?
- What does “responsible AI” look like in a context where most people lack reliable internet access, and what are the risks of leaving those communities out of the conversation?
- How can young Nigerians move from being passive consumers of AI tools to active participants in shaping how those tools are built and deployed?
- What ethical trade-offs does Nigeria face in adopting AI, and who should be making those decisions?
These are starting points, not requirements. You are free to develop any argument within the theme, provided it is specific, grounded, and clearly reasoned.
How to Apply for Brain Builder National Essay Competition (Step by Step)
To apply for the Brain Builders Development Youth Initiative (BBDYI) National Essay Competition, interested and qualified candidates should;
- Click the green button below to go to the program’s webpage.
- Complete the application form at: https://forms.gle/TF4FXYTympVnH87M7
- Upload your essay as part of the form submission
- Submit by 15 April 2026, 10:00 AM (WAT). Late submissions will not be considered.
Deadline: April 15, 2026
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