FUTA Student Wins ₦1 Million in 2024 NCDMB National Essay Competition
Emmanuel Ojedele Triumphs Over 2,000 Contestants to Claim Prestigious Award
Emmanuel Jesuferanmi Ojedele, a 200-level Architecture student at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has emerged as the winner of the 2024 Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) National Undergraduate Essay Competition.
Ojedele, who triumphed over 2,000 contestants from universities across Nigeria, clinched the top prize after successfully defeating 10 other finalists. His victory was celebrated at a grand award ceremony held at the NCDMB Tower, Ox-Bow Lake in Yenagoa.
Top Prize: ₦1 Million, Laptop, and Golden Plaque
As the competition’s overall winner, Ojedele was awarded ₦1 million in cash, a brand-new laptop, and a prestigious golden plaque.
Other top winners also received exciting prizes. Miracle Okoli, a 200-level Law student from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, took second place, earning ₦750,000, a new laptop, and a plaque. In third place was Okogbe Mary, a 19-year-old Electrical Engineering student from Igbinedion University, Okada, who received ₦500,000, a laptop, and a plaque.
NCDMB’s Commitment to Promoting Education
The NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, congratulated the winners, particularly Ojedele, for his outstanding achievement. Represented by Esueme Dan-Kikile, the General Manager of Corporate Communications, Ogbe emphasized that the competition is a key initiative aimed at promoting writing skills, increasing awareness of local content, and encouraging civic engagement among Nigerian undergraduates.
“The essay competition complements our other educational efforts, such as the NCDMB Science Quiz Competition, which aims to inspire a new generation of scientists and innovators,” Ogbe stated.
A Highly Competitive Event
Mr. Eyinimi Omorizi, CEO of Mahogany 21st Century Concepts Limited, which helped organize the event, praised the competition’s high level of competition. “Over 2,000 essays were submitted, and the top 10 finalists were selected through a meticulous evaluation process,” Omorizi said, highlighting the intense talent and hard work demonstrated by students from across the country.
FUTA Celebrates Emmanuel’s Victory
The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, expressed immense pride in Ojedele’s success, calling him a “worthy ambassador” of the university. “Emmanuel’s victory not only brings honor to FUTA but also inspires other students to aim for excellence in academic and extracurricular pursuits,” she remarked.
FUTA remains committed to celebrating and supporting students who excel in national and international competitions, reinforcing the university’s reputation as a hub of innovation and academic achievement.
This inspiring victory highlights the importance of academic competitions in shaping the future of Nigeria’s youth. As Emmanuel Ojedele’s success demonstrates, students across the nation have immense potential to shine and make their mark on both national and global stages.
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