Applications are now open for the Brain Builders National Essay Competition 2026, organized by Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative in partnership with the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation.
The competition invites students from tertiary institutions across Nigeria to share their ideas on Artificial Intelligence, responsible technology, and the future of society. Winners of the competition will receive cash prizes and awards worth up to ₦1 million.
Program Summary
- Host Country: Nigeria
- Host: Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative
- Partner: Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
- Category: Competitions
- Eligible Country: Nigeria
- Reward: ₦1 Million Cash Prizes and Other Awards
- Deadline: April 15, 2026
Competition Details
The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) invites students from tertiary institutions across Nigeria to participate in its 2026 National Essay Competition, which focuses on AI literacy and responsible technology use.
This competition encourages young Nigerians to think critically, present strong arguments, and contribute meaningful perspectives to the growing conversation about Artificial Intelligence and its impact on Nigeria’s future.
Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative is a youth-led nonprofit organisation working to promote AI literacy, digital rights, and responsible technology use across Nigeria and Africa.
Essay Topic
“Artificial Intelligence for Public Good: Balancing Innovation, Human Welfare, and Responsible Governance.”
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Brain Builders National Essay Competition, applicants must:
- Be a current student in a recognised Nigerian tertiary institution
- University
- Polytechnic
- College of Education
- College of Technology
- Monotechnic
- School of Nursing
- Or any diploma-awarding institution
- Possess a valid and verifiable student ID
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Submit an original and previously unpublished essay
- Grant BBYDI permission to publish or reference the essay (with proper attribution) in their publications, reports, and advocacy materials
Essay Requirements
A note on AI usage:
- Applicants may use AI tools to support research or idea generation
- However, the argument, analysis, and voice must clearly be the writer’s own
- Essays that appear fully AI-generated without meaningful original input will be disqualified
Competition Benefits
The Brain Builders Essay Competition offers the following prizes:
- 1st Place: ₦400,000
- 2nd Place: ₦300,000
- 3rd Place: ₦200,000
- Top 10 Finalists: ₦100,000
Winners will also receive public recognition, and the best essays will be featured in BBYDI publications and advocacy materials.
Essay Guidelines
Your essay should focus on the Nigerian context and demonstrate:
- Critical thinking
- Ethical awareness
- Practical understanding of AI’s impact on communities
Participants may explore the theme from different perspectives, but the essay must be specific, well-argued, and supported with clear reasoning rather than a general overview of AI.
Possible areas to explore include:
- How AI should be governed in sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, governance, or creative industries to benefit ordinary Nigerians
- What responsible AI development looks like in communities with limited internet access
- How young Nigerians can move from being passive users of AI tools to active contributors in shaping AI technologies
- The ethical challenges Nigeria may face when adopting AI technologies and who should make those decisions
These suggestions are guidelines only, and applicants are free to develop their own arguments within the competition theme.
How to Apply
To apply for the Brain Builders National Essay Competition 2026, interested candidates should:
- Visit the programme webpage
- Complete the application form via: https://forms.gle/TF4FXYTympVnH87M7
- Upload your essay within the form submission
Submission Deadline: April 15, 2026 (10:00 AM WAT)
Late submissions will not be accepted.
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