Clinton Agburum Wins 2026 Mike Okonkwo Essay Competition

The 2026 Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Secondary Schools in Nigeria concluded with an awards ceremony during the 25th Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture. Clinton Chimenem Agburum from Deeper Life High School, Port Harcourt, emerged as the overall winner, receiving N800,000, a laptop, a trophy, and a plaque, while his school was awarded a full desktop computer.

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%, earning N500,000, a laptop, and a plaque.

Oloruntimilehin Elijah Oladipo from Isolo Comprehensive Senior High School placed third with an average score of 70%, receiving N400,000, a plaque, and a tablet. Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo, the Chief Examiner, noted that 850 essays were submitted, with over 85% showing identifiable imprints of AI, indicating a shift in how students approach essay writing.