The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has joined forces with the Abuja City Journal (ACJ) to support the third edition of the National Essay Competition, a partnership the tax agency says reflects its commitment to education, youth development, and programmes that help young Nigerians think critically. The sponsorship is seen as a major boost to the fast-growing national contest, which has attracted more than 10,000 entries from students and young writers across the country this year. Many observers say the scheme is gradually becoming one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for discovering new writing talent.
The grand finale of the 2025 edition will take place on 26 November in Abuja. A total of 25 finalists were selected from thousands of submissions received from various states, showing the increasing national acceptance of the competition. According to the organisers, the aim is to identify promising young Nigerians, encourage academic excellence, and promote creative writing skills at a time when many youths are searching for opportunities to express themselves.
In a statement released by the Abuja City Journal, the organisers explained that the top three winners will receive cash prizes of N5 million, N3 million, and N2 million. The prizes, according to them, are meant to reward excellence, encourage hard work, and motivate young Nigerians who have shown interest in writing, analysis, and research. The competition particularly aims to strengthen literacy, public discussion, and the spirit of national development among the country’s youth.
ACJ’s Chief Executive Officer and Publisher, Foluso Sylvanus Ojo, said the initiative was created to promote “integrity, discipline, and intellectual excellence” among young people. He noted that the large number of entries received this year shows the determination and creativity of Nigerian youths. He added that the competition reflects the curiosity and talent that define the younger generation, describing them as resilient and eager to contribute to national progress. Ojo said the partnership with FIRS will help expand the reach of the programme and make it more impactful.
This year’s grand finale will be hosted by well-known comedian and entertainer Kenny Blaq, whose lively style is expected to add energy and humour to the event. Organisers say his presence will make the programme more engaging for both the finalists and the audience. Participants will defend their essays before a panel of judges drawn from academia, media, and the creative sector. The organisers say this mix of professionals will ensure fairness and bring different perspectives to the judging process.
Apart from the prize ceremony, the event will also serve as a national platform for talent discovery. Finalists will have the opportunity to meet editors, writers, academics, and creative mentors who can help guide their future growth. Many participants see this as a chance to network and gain recognition that may open doors in journalism, publishing, academia, and other related sectors.
Organisers noted that this year’s edition is the most competitive since the programme began. The increased number of entries from different states shows the rising influence of the initiative and its acceptance as a credible platform for young writers. The competition continues to gain attention from schools, teachers, parents, and youth organisations that see it as a pathway to intellectual development and national exposure.
The partnership between FIRS and ACJ comes at a time when education stakeholders are calling for more private sector support for youth-focused programmes. By backing this initiative, FIRS says it hopes to contribute to a culture of learning, research, and critical thinking. The agency believes such programmes play an important role in shaping responsible citizens and improving national development.
As young Nigerians prepare for the November 26 finale, many stakeholders say the competition has already achieved its goal of bringing attention to the value of writing and analysis. With thousands of passionate participants and growing corporate support, the National Essay Competition is positioning itself as one of Nigeria’s most influential youth educational platforms.
