Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay Competition 2025: A Chance for Nigerian Undergraduates to Tackle Mental Health Issues
In an effort to address the growing need for mental health awareness in Nigerian tertiary institutions, the Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay Competition 2025 is calling on undergraduate students across Nigeria to participate in this year’s contest. This annual competition, now in its fifth edition, provides an exciting opportunity to contribute innovative ideas aimed at improving mental health support on university campuses.
A Tribute to Jemila Abubakar’s Legacy
This competition is named in memory of Miss Jemila Abubakar, the late Programme Manager of the Asido Foundation, who passed away in July 2020. Jemila was a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, particularly in Nigeria. Through her tireless efforts, she helped raise awareness about mental health challenges, especially in academic environments. The competition honours her legacy by encouraging young minds to explore ways to address these critical issues.
Competition Theme: Innovative Solutions for Mental Health Support
The theme for the 2025 edition is:
“Bridging the Gap: Innovative Solutions for Mental Health Support in African Tertiary Institutions.”
This year, participants are challenged to think creatively and propose practical solutions that can help bridge the gap in mental health care for students in universities across Africa. Mental health is a critical issue that affects students in many ways, from academic stress to emotional well-being, and the competition seeks to highlight innovative approaches that can make a real difference in addressing these challenges.
Prizes for the Best Essays
The competition offers generous cash prizes to the top three winners, giving participants a chance to not only showcase their ideas but also to earn valuable rewards for their efforts:
- First Prize: N200,000
- Second Prize: N150,000
- Third Prize: N100,000
This is a great opportunity for students to gain recognition for their work while contributing to an important cause.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay Competition, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an undergraduate student currently enrolled in any Nigerian tertiary institution.
- Provide proof of studentship (e.g., student ID or enrollment letter).
- Sign and submit the Asido Foundation’s Unashamed Pledge — a commitment to advocating for mental health awareness. The pledge can be accessed on the Asido Foundation’s official website.
Essay Submission Guidelines
Participants must submit an original essay based on the competition’s theme, adhering to the following guidelines:
- Word Count: 750 to 1,000 words.
- Format: Microsoft Word document.
- Documents to Upload: A scanned copy of a recent passport-sized photograph, proof of studentship, and the signed Unashamed Pledge certificate.
Important Note: Any essay that is AI-generated or contains plagiarism will be disqualified.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their essays by December 6, 2024, at 11:59 PM. To apply, fill out the application form and upload all required documents through the official application portal on the Asido Foundation website.
This competition is not just an academic challenge but also a chance to be part of a movement to change the narrative around mental health in Nigerian universities. By participating, students can help shape the future of mental health support on campuses while honouring the life and work of Jemila Abubakar.
Don’t Miss Out – Apply Today!
For more details on how to apply and the full guidelines, visit the official Asido Foundation website at [website link].
About Asido Foundation
The Asido Foundation is a leading nonprofit organization focused on mental health awareness, particularly in Nigeria. Through various initiatives, the Foundation works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, promote well-being, and provide support for individuals facing mental health challenges.
This competition is a unique opportunity for students to make a lasting impact on mental health support in Africa’s academic institutions. Whether you’re passionate about mental health advocacy or just want to make a difference, this is your chance to contribute to a cause that affects millions of young people.
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