NEMA National Essay Competition 2026: Prizes Up to 500,000

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has officially opened entries for its National Essay Competition 2026. This initiative aims to strengthen emergency preparedness, disaster awareness, and resilience among Nigeria’s youth.

Competition Topics

The competition is divided into three distinct categories with specific themes:

• Senior Secondary School: "My Role in Disaster Risk Reduction"
• Students of Tertiary Institutions: "Climate Change and Disaster Management in Nigeria"
• NYSC "Emergency Management Vanguards" Corps Members: "Technology for Disaster Response: Opportunities and Challenges"

Cash Prizes

Winners will receive significant financial rewards for their contributions:

• First Place: ₦500,000
• First Runner Up: ₦300,000
• Second Runner Up: ₦200,000

Submission Guidelines & Eligibility

Interested participants must adhere to the following rules to ensure their entry is considered:

• Formatting: Essays must be submitted as a Word document using Times New Roman, Size 12 font.
• Word Count: Maximum 500 words for Secondary School; maximum 1,000 words for all other categories.
• Entry Limit: Only one entry per individual.
• Required Details: Include full name, category, and details of school or NYSC deployment.
• Submission Email: All entries should be sent to [email protected].

Evaluation Criteria

Entries will be judged based on the following weighted scale:

• 40% — Content Relevance and Depth
• 30% — Originality and Creativity
• 30% — Structure, Grammar, and Style

DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026

Note: Entries not submitted on or before the deadline or those failing to meet stated conditions will not be considered.