2026 Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition For University Students

Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition 2026 Abstract & Quick Facts

Scholarship Host: Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ), UI
Host Country:  Nigeria 
Category: Competitions
Benefits: ₦900,000 Cash Prizes • Awards and Certification
Eligibility: Students from Nigeria
Deadline: November 22, 2026

About the Fisayo Soyombo InterVarsity Essay Competition

The Fisayo Soyombo InterVarsity Essay Competition is an annual essay-writing initiative organised by the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan. The competition encourages university students to engage with important national issues through research, critical analysis, and persuasive writing.

The competition is named after Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist and founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). It provides a platform for students from universities across Nigeria to present their perspectives on issues affecting the country’s governance, society and future.

For the 2026 edition, participants will explore whether elections continue to deliver meaningful democracy for Nigerians, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition Rewards

1. Cash Prizes Worth Up to ₦900,000

The competition offers financial rewards to the three best entries.

• First prize: ₦400,000
• Second prize: ₦300,000
• Third prize: ₦200,000

The prizes recognise outstanding research, argumentation, and writing.

Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition 2026 Requirements

To be considered for the 2026 Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition 2026, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Be an undergraduate student at a university in Nigeria. Applicants should be prepared to provide evidence of their current student status.
• Submit a Copy of Your School Identity Card
• Write on the Official Essay Topic and follow its guidelines.

2026 Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition Topic

The official topic for the 2026 Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition is:

“2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?”

Participants are expected to examine the relationship between elections and democratic governance in Nigeria. The topic invites students to consider whether elections genuinely reflect the will of citizens and contribute to accountability, institutional development, and effective governance.

Possible areas to explore include:

• Electoral credibility and the legitimacy of election results.
• Voter participation and citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.
• The role of political parties and electoral institutions.
• The influence of money, political pressure, and misinformation on elections.
• The relationship between elections, accountability and good governance.
• Reforms that could strengthen democracy beyond the 2027 general elections.

These are suggested areas for developing an argument, not additional official requirements. You should formulate your own positions and support them with credible evidence, examples, and logical reasoning.

Essay Length and Formatting Guidelines

According to the published competition details, submissions must meet these requirements:

• Word count: 1,500–2,000 words.
• Font: Times New Roman.
• Font size: 12.
• Line spacing: 1.5.
• Supporting document: A copy of your school identity card.

The published information does not clearly specify a mandatory referencing style or file format for the essay. If you need clarification on these details, contact the organisers before submitting.

How to Prepare a Competitive Essay

A strong entry should answer the topic directly rather than merely describe Nigeria’s electoral history.

Consider the following approach:

1. Develop a clear thesis: State your position on whether elections are delivering democracy in Nigeria.
2. Define the central concepts: Explain what you mean by elections, democracy, representation, and accountability.
3. Use credible evidence: Support your argument with relevant examples, electoral data, reports, and authoritative sources.
4. Consider different perspectives: Acknowledge progress or counterarguments before explaining why your position remains persuasive.
5. Offer practical recommendations: Where appropriate, discuss reforms that could improve electoral credibility and democratic accountability.
6. Edit carefully: Check the structure, grammar, evidence, word count, and formatting before submitting.

These suggestions are intended to help you develop your essay; they are not additional official judging criteria.

How To Apply for 2026 Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition

The step-by-step guide to apply for the 2026 Fisayo Soyombo Essay Competition is as follows;

• Confirm your eligibility. Ensure that you are an undergraduate university student in Nigeria.
• Write your essay. Address the topic “2027 and Beyond: Do Elections Still Deliver Democracy for Nigerians?”
• Check the word count. Keep your essay within the required range of 1,500–2,000 words.
• Format your document. Use Times New Roman, font size 12, and 1.5 line spacing.
• Prepare your school ID. Save a clear copy of your student identity card.
• Attach both documents. Include the essay and school ID in your submission email.
• Send your application. Email your entry to [email protected]. Use a clear email subject line, such as Fisayo Soyombo Inter-Varsity Essay Competition 2026 – Your Full Name.
• Submit before the deadline. Ensure that your email is sent no later than November 22, 2026.

Application Deadline: November 22, 2026

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