The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF), in its constant efforts to encourage critical thinking on crucial socio-economic issues among Nigerian undergraduates, has flagged off its 7th Annual Essay Competition!
As usual, the topics of the NHEF Essay competition centre around identifying and suggesting solutions to facilitate Nigeria’s sustainable growth and development.
This year’s NHEF Essay Competition is centred around “Analysing the CBN Naira redesign policy with its effect on the Nigerian economy & the consequence of increased brain drain on the (Nigerian) economy”.
Keep reading to learn about the NHEF Essay Topics, Rules and Submission Guidelines. You’ll also get to learn tips on how to write an amazing essay! Trust Smartbukites to guide you towards maximizing your chances of winning this competition🤓
ABOUT NHEF
Nigeria Higher Education Fund (NHEF) is an organization founded to enhance the capacity of higher institutions in Nigeria. Established in 2004, the NHEF has reached out to over 700,000 students across 7 partner universities in the country. Through 3 major programmes, NHEF has succeeded in training over 200 young leaders.
Their major objective is to raise awareness about the role of higher education in Nigeria’s social, economic, and political development.
NHEF Partner Universities
You’ve probably noticed that NHEF beneficiaries are usually from certain universities, right? This is because the foundation’s activities are open to undergraduate students of seven (7) notable public institutions in Nigeria. The 7 NHEF Partner Universities are:
- 1. Ahamdu Bello University, Zaria,
- 2. Bayero University, Kano,
- 3. The University of Ibadan,
- 4. The University of Lagos,
- 5. University of Nigeria (Nsukka),
- 6. The University of Port Harcourt.
- 7. Kwara state University
THE ANNUAL NHEF ESSAY COMPETITION
The Annual Essay Competition is just one of NHEF’s innovative programs targeted at encouraging critical analyses of Nigeria’s problems and encouraging leadership capabilities among Nigerian undergraduates.
This year (2023) marks its 7th edition, and like previous years, Nigerian undergraduates are challenged to think critically and strategically about Nigeria’s problems. This is in line with the foundation’s mandate of contributing towards socio-economic and political development in the country.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (UPDATED)
You can participate in NHEF’s Essay competition if you:
- Attend any of the 7 NHEF Partner Universities (ABU, BUK, UNN, UI, UNIPORT, UNILAG, KWASU)
- Are not a previous NHEF beneficiary or NHEF Scholar.
- Are enrolled in your penultimate year. That is, in the third year of a 4-year degree program or in the fourth year of a 5-year degree program. NOTE: NHEF will verify the enrollment of each contestant with the University Registrar.
7TH EDITION NHEF SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY COMPETITION (2023)
Write on ONE of the following Essay Topics:
1. Leading to the recent currency redesign policy, the Central Bank of Nigeria reported that about 84.71% of the N3.23 trillion currency in circulation was outside the banking system. A situation described to be a risk to its currency management responsibility. Using relevant examples, critically analyze the pros & cons of the monetary policy implementation and provide recommendations to the CBN for future policy implementation based on the consequent challenges experienced nationwide.
2. Article 13, section 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, “Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.” This statement agrees with the Nigerian constitution on the Right to Freedom of Movement. However, a significant increase in brain drain can be classified as an anomaly for any economy. Critically analyze the factors causing human capital flight in Nigeria and recommend relevant solutions to safeguard the country’s economic growth and development.
Submission Deadline: April 7, 2023.
Maximum Word count: 2000
For More info, visit www.thenhef.org
NHEF ESSAY CRITERIA
All essays must comply with the following contest rules before submission:
- Only one essay may be submitted per student;
- No literary form other than an essay will be accepted;
- The essay must reflect the contestant’s ability to explore and discuss ideas and ethical concepts;
- The essay must demonstrate the conduct of research and a sufficiently detailed summary;
- The essay must be 2000 words maximum, double-spaced, (12pt Times New Roman), and numbered pages with one-inch margins excluding bibliography & title page;
- Submitted essay must include a Title Page, a Bibliography and a scanned copy of the contestant’s current student ID;
- The essay title should be saved as Year NHEF Essay Competition – Name of Applicant, e.g 2023 NHEF COMPETITION DAUDA MARY HABIB
- The student’s name, university, and registration ID must appear in the header section of each page;
- References in the essay should be included and clearly identified;
- Entries must be submitted in PDF format.
TIPS ON HOW TO WRITE AN AMAZING ESSAY
Before you prepare to submit your entry, follow these amazing tips to maximize your chances of winning the NHEF Essay Competition!
- Prepare an outline or diagram on the Essay topic.
- Write your thesis statement.
- Outline your essay body.
- Write the introduction and build on the outline of your body.
- Craft a winning conclusion.
- Add the finishing touches!
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
To participate in the 2023 NHEF Essay Competition, you must adhere to the following submission guidelines:
- The document naming convention should be as follows: 2023 NHEF Essay Competition – Name of Applicant, e.g., 2023 NHEF Essay Competition – Adekunle Ciroma Ahmed.
- Entries must be submitted in PDF format.
- All entries must be submitted via NHEF Application Portal (https://portal.thenhef.org/) latest by 11:59 p.m. (WAT) on April 7, 2023.
- Students are encouraged to avoid plagiarism, as the essays will be checked for intellectual authenticity and against Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated content, e.g., ChatGPT.
NOTE: Students are encouraged to study rules on how to avoid plagiarism, as the essays will be checked for intellectual authenticity. The essays will be checked for intellectual authenticity and against Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated content, e.g., ChatGPT.
Check out How to avoid plagiarism.
NHEF APPLICATION PORTAL GUIDE
Wondering how to navigate your way around the NHEF Application portal?
Follow the guidelines below:
- Go to the NHEF application portal: https://portal.thenhef.org/.
- Register by creating an account on the portal: enter your first and last name, email address, phone number, and password.
- After registering, verify your email address by checking the inbox of the email address you registered with. Click the link or copy the URL to your internet browser.
- Once your account has been validated, login using the email address and password you created.
- Proceed to the application and select the essay application from the dashboard.
- On the application page, provide the following information: gender, contact address, institution attended, course of study, registration/matriculation number, and answer all other questions.
- Ensure your essay entry is saved as PDF and upload it.
- Review your responses and submit your application.Note: You can save your application and continue at your convenience before the application deadline.
NHEF ESSAY COMPETITION PRIZES
First Prize:
- ₦100,000
- School Session Tuition Fee
- Laptop
- 1 Online course
- 1 year internet subscription
Second Prize:
- ₦75,000
- School Session Tuition Fee
- 1 year internet subscription
Third Prize:
- ₦50,000
- School Session Tuition Fee
- 1 year internet subscription
IMPORTANT!
- Competition only open to students enrolled at NHEF Partner Universities.
- References in the essay should be included and clearly identified.
- All entries are to submit via e-mail to [email protected] latest by 11:59 pm WAT on April 7, 2023
- The online certificate course (for first prize winner) may not exceed $100 on Udemy, Coursera, Alison or EDX.
- 1 year internet subscription estimated at 24GB of each winner’s preferred mobile network.
Checkout: how to write a good looking essay
Students are encouraged to study rules on how to avoid plagiarism, as the essays will be checked for intellectual authenticity.
Read More on Writing Program Administrators
PREVIOUS EDITIONS, ESSAY QUESTIONS, AND WINNERS
6th Edition NHEF Scholarship Essay Competition (2021)
Essay Topic Theme: The Role of Digital Technology in the Nigerian Higher Education System
Essay Question: The COVID-19 pandemic has dismantled global conventions and most notably impacted the activities of higher education institutions. Adapting to a new stay-at-home landscape, global education systems have responded with digitally innovative methods of teaching and learning that will redefine the future of classroom training. Using relevant examples, critically analyze the role of digital technology in transitioning higher education in Nigeria to a post-pandemic system.
6th Edition Essay Winners
- Winner: Oyekan Ayomide Emmanuel (University of Ibadan)
- First Runner-up: Bako Nathan Musa (Bayero University, Kano)
- Second Runner-up: (University of Lagos)
5th Edition NHEF Scholarship Essay Competition (2019)
Essay Topic Theme; Human Capital Development
Essay Question: “To anchor the economy over the long term, investments in infrastructure and competitiveness must go hand in hand with investments in people. People without roads, ports, and factories can’t flourish. And roads, ports, and factories without skilled workers to build and manage them can’t sustain an economy”
Bill Gates, Co-Founder & Technology Advisor, Microsoft Inc.
Using a case study or example, provide a solution(s) to address the challenges of human capital development in Nigeria
5th Edition Essay Competition Winners
- Winner: Morenike Oyeleke (University of Lagos)
- First Runner-up: John Igbozurike (University of Lagos)
- Second Runner-up: John Joshua (University of Ibadan)
4th Edition NHEF Scholarship Essay Competition (2018)
Essay Topic Theme; Technology, Youth Engagement, Gender, and Socio-Economic Growth
Essay Questions:
- “According to the National Population Commission, Nigeria’s population is currently estimated at 182 Million, with more than half of the population under 30 years of age. Assess the importance of Youth engagement in Nigeria’s socio-economic growth”
- “The higher education curriculum, in particular, always serves as a means of socio control, legitimating (sic) existing social relations, representing somebody’s version of what constitutes important knowledge” What are the benefits, if any, of instituting a gender-inclusive higher education curriculum in Nigeria?
Using a case study or example(s), explore how technology can drive social change in Nigeria.
3rd Edition NHEF Scholarship Essay Competition (2017)
Essay Topic Theme; Gender, The Nigerian Economy, and Information Privacy.
Essay Questions:
- “There is a problem with gender as it is today and we must do something to fix it” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- “The Nigerian Economy is achieving projected diversification for growth and development” Discuss
- The proliferation of online platforms is in constant tension with the right to privacy; one must give way for the other to thrive”
2nd Edition NHEF Scholarship Essay Competition (2016)
Essay Topic Theme; Higher Education and The development of The Nigerian Economy.
Essay Questions:
- “The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living from the dead” Aristotle. Discuss the validity of this statement.
- Explore the relationship between a developed higher education sector and long-term economic growth?
- What is the role/function of innovation versus tradition in Nigeria’s development?
2nd Edition Essay Competition Winners
- Winner: Adebajo Adekunle (University of Ibadan)
- First Runner-up: Chinazo Nnacheta (University of Nigeria)
- Second Runner-up: Oyintare Jennifer Abang (University of Portharcourt)
1st Edition NHEF Scholarship Essay Competition (2015)
Essay Topic Theme; Gender, The Nigerian Economy, and Information Privacy.
Essay Question: The role of higher education in strengthening democracy in Nigeria?
1st Edition Essay Competition Winners
- Winner: Odonoekuma Onyebuchi (University of Nigeria)
- First Runner-up: Chidi Nkwocha (University of Nigeria)
- Second Runner-up: Aniah Justin (University of Ibadan)
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Scholarship and Award prizes will be permanently lost if the student:
- Does not attend an eligible NHEF Partner University
- Winners will be announced via media channels (NHEF Facebook account, NHEF Instagram account, NHEF Twitter account, and NHEF Website)
- Winners will be contacted via communication method provided during application submission
- The NHEF will make reasonable attempts to contact winners following announcements via media channels
- Failure to claim prizes within 30 DAYS of announcement date, will automatically forfeit winnings
- The student is found to have provided false or misleading information in claiming the award
- The student fails to provide documentation to clarify an error or contradiction regarding his or her claim information that is discovered after the being selected
- Unsatisfactory academic standing /Academic Probation will result in immediate forfeiture
- Enrollment will be verified with the University’s registrar.
You might want to check out the
- Basic Guide for Making a Stronger NHEF Scholarship Application
- NHEF Interview Questions – Ultimate Guide To Preparation
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