Competition Now Open Nationwide

The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative has announced the commencement of its 2026 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Essay Competition for students across Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The initiative is designed to promote awareness and understanding of artificial intelligence while encouraging students to think critically about its impact on society, especially within the Nigerian context.

This competition is part of BBYDI’s broader project titled “AI Literacy for Everyday People in Nigeria,” supported by the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation.

Essay Topic

Participants are required to write on the theme:

“Balancing Innovation, Human Welfare, and Governance: The Role of AI in Public Good.”

Students are free to explore different perspectives, but submissions must be well-researched, clearly structured, and relevant to real-life issues in Nigeria.

Submission Guidelines

To qualify, all entries must follow these specifications:

• Word count: 1,200 to 1,500 words
• Language: English
• Font style: Times New Roman
• Font size: 12pt
• Line spacing: Double-spaced

Failure to comply with these requirements may lead to disqualification.

Use of AI Tools

Participants are allowed to use AI tools for research and idea generation. However, the final essay must reflect the student’s original thinking and personal writing style.

Submissions that appear to be fully generated by AI without meaningful human input will not be accepted.

Prizes for Winners

Outstanding entries will be rewarded as follows:

• 1st Place: ₦400,000
• 2nd Place: ₦300,000
• 3rd Place: ₦200,000

Deadline and Application Process

All essays must be submitted on or before April 15, 2026, by 10:00 AM (WAT).

Interested students are required to submit their entries through the official BBYDI application platform.

Contact Information

For enquiries or further clarification, applicants can reach out via:

• Ahmed Adebowale: +234 810 830 2763
• Halimat Olufade: +234 806 358 9052
• Email: o.halimat@thebrainbuilders.org
• Email: a.adebowale@thebrainbuilders.org

Important Notes for Applicants

Students intending to participate should ensure that:

• Their essays strictly follow the required format
• The word count is within the specified range
• The final submission reflects original ideas and analysis

With the deadline approaching, interested participants are encouraged to begin early and submit their entries on time.