Rivers Student Wins N1m in 2026 Essay Competition

Clinton Chimenem Agburum, a student at Deeper Life High School in Port Harcourt, emerged as the winner of the 2026 Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition, receiving a prize of N1 million. Agburum scored 72% in the first round and 85% in the second round, achieving an overall total of 79%.

Alimi-Adeiga Mosorireoluwa from Holyland Senior College, Ipaja, secured second place with an average score of 75%, while Oloruntimilehin Elijah Oladipo from Isolo Comprehensive Senior High School came third with an average score of 70%. Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo, the Chief Examiner, noted that 850 essays were submitted, with many reflecting the influence of AI in education.

Ezeigbo stated that over 85% of the essays exhibited identifiable imprints of AI or machine thinking, raising concerns about originality in student work. The competition aimed to assess critical thinking and learning skills, emphasizing the need for students to engage with traditional composition methods despite the growing role of AI.