The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced the opening of entries for the 10th edition of its Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition, with applications scheduled to commence on August 15.

The General Manager, Corporate Communications Division of the NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, said the competition is open to undergraduate students in 100 and 200 levels of Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

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Ezeobi said the theme for this year’s competition is “Promoting Manufacturing for Sustainable Local Content Development,” adding that participants are expected to examine ways Nigeria can strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity, promote economic growth and reduce dependence on imports, particularly in the energy sector.

According to him, the annual competition is designed to provide young Nigerians with an opportunity to engage critically with issues surrounding local content development while developing practical ideas that could contribute to the country’s industrialisation and sustainable development.

Ezeobi said the initiative also seeks to improve students’ research capabilities, critical thinking and innovation, while inspiring them to acquire the skills and competencies required to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s energy industry.

He said the competition has, over the years, evolved into an important academic platform for encouraging young Nigerians to examine national development challenges and propose solutions capable of strengthening local content and economic resilience.

The NCDMB spokesman said interested students would be required to submit their entries through the competition portal, www.ncdmbessay.ng, when the application window opens on August 15.

He added that the competition would culminate in an award ceremony on October 22, 2026, at the NCDMB headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where outstanding participants would be recognised for their intellectual contributions.