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FG launches essay competition for young girls, mentions required ages

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 9:22 GMT by legit
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Nigeria’s Federal Government Launches a Nationwide Competition to Empower Young Girls in Primary and Secondary Schools

The Nigerian Federal Government has announced a new initiative aimed at encouraging girls in primary and secondary schools to excel in a range of subjects and to broaden their opportunities for future study and careers. The competition, unveiled in a press release on Legit.ng, is part of a broader push to address gender disparities in education and to nurture the next generation of female leaders, scientists, and innovators.

The Competition at a Glance

The competition is being rolled out nationwide, with participation open to all female students from kindergarten through to senior secondary school (Grade 1–12). While the official name of the contest was not disclosed in the initial announcement, it is being promoted under the banner of the “National Girls’ Scholarship and Talent Hunt.” The programme is intended to run in multiple stages, beginning with a primary‑school phase that will feed into a secondary‑school stage, culminating in a final national event that will identify top performers across various disciplines.

Objectives and Vision

According to statements from the Ministry of Education, the competition has three core objectives:

1. Promote Gender Equality – By encouraging girls to engage with subjects traditionally dominated by boys—especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—the programme hopes to challenge cultural stereotypes and open doors for female participation in these fields.

2. Build a Talent Pipeline – The contest is designed to identify and nurture high‑potential students who can later contribute to Nigeria’s development agenda, particularly in the areas of research, technology, and entrepreneurship.

3. Foster a Culture of Excellence – Through rigorous assessment and mentorship, the competition seeks to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and problem‑solving among young learners.

Categories and Disciplines

The competition is structured into several subject categories, each with its own set of challenges and evaluation criteria:

Secondary students are also invited to participate in an additional “Future Leaders” track that involves a public speaking component and a project proposal related to community development.

Eligibility and Application Process

• Age and Enrollment – Participants must be registered in an accredited primary or secondary school and must be between the ages of 6 and 18, depending on the grade level.
• Gender – The competition is exclusively for female students, although it encourages joint participation with supportive teachers and mentors.
• Application – Schools are required to register with the Ministry of Education through an online portal that has been set up for this initiative. Once registered, teachers can upload student details, including a short profile and academic records.
• Assessment – Following the online submission, students will receive a set of written tests and practical tasks. Some events will be held in regional hubs, with winners progressing to the national finals.

Applicants must submit all documentation by August 31, 2024, and the final national competition is scheduled for December 15–20, 2024 at the National Sports Stadium in Abuja.

Prizes and Opportunities

The competition offers a tiered rewards system that goes beyond monetary prizes:

1. Primary School Winners – Receive a ₦50,000 scholarship to cover school fees for the following academic year and a set of academic kits (books, laboratory materials).
2. Secondary School Winners – Are awarded a ₦250,000 scholarship, plus a ₦100,000 technology grant to develop a school project (e.g., building a small solar charger).
3. National Champions – Three students per category will receive a ₦500,000 scholarship and a scholarship to attend a reputable Nigerian university (e.g., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ahmadu Bello University) or an international scholarship program.

Beyond financial aid, winners will be offered mentorship from senior academics, internships at partner organizations, and invitations to national youth conferences.

Partnerships and Support

The Federal Government’s initiative is being carried out in partnership with several ministries and non‑governmental bodies:

• Ministry of Women Affairs – Provides policy guidance on gender inclusion.
• National Agency for Science and Engineering Development (NASED) – Assists in setting up STEM challenges and evaluation panels.
• The Nigeria Scholarship Foundation – Facilitates scholarship disbursement and tracking.
• Tech firms such as MainOne and MTN – Sponsor technology grants and mentorship programs.
• Educational NGOs – Help in the outreach and training of teachers to administer the competition locally.

The partnership model underscores a holistic approach, wherein government resources, private sector expertise, and civil society engagement converge to create a sustainable ecosystem for female talent.

Significance for Nigeria’s Development

In an interview with the Chief Press Secretary to the President, it was noted that Nigeria’s growth prospects hinge on the intellectual capacity of its youth. “Investing in young girls, especially in STEM, is not just a matter of equality—it is a strategic imperative,” the spokesperson said. By channeling resources into girls’ education, the government hopes to reduce the skills gap and build a workforce that can compete globally.

Furthermore, the competition aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). By providing a high‑profile platform that celebrates female academic achievement, the programme could also inspire broader societal change, encouraging families and communities to support girls’ education more actively.

Looking Ahead

While the launch of the competition marks an exciting step, its success will depend on robust implementation. Key focus areas include ensuring accessibility for girls in rural and underserved regions, maintaining transparent judging criteria, and providing adequate mentorship to sustain motivation beyond the contest.

As the application window opens next week, schools across the country are scrambling to prepare their students for the challenge. If the initiative lives up to its promise, it could become a flagship model for gender‑inclusive educational programmes in Nigeria and beyond.