A total cash prize of ₦2 million, along with laptops and desktop computers, is up for grabs in the 20th edition of the Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for secondary school students in Nigeria.

This year’s competition marks the 80th birthday of Dr. Mike Okonkwo, the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, who established the essay contest.

The deadline for submissions is June 20, with participants invited to write essays on the theme, "The Nigeria of Our Dreams: Today’s Reality and a Responsible Pathfinder."

A statement from Rev. Anthony Samuel of the Corporate Affairs Department encourages students to submit essays of no more than 1,200 words via email to essay@trem.org in Word document format, including their personal and school details. "For this special 20th edition, the prizes have been greatly increased.

The winner of the first prize will receive ₦1,000,000, a laptop, and a plaque, while their school will be presented with a desktop computer and a trophy."

"The first and second runners-up will be awarded ₦600,000 and ₦400,000, respectively, along with laptops, plaques, and desktop computers for their schools," the statement noted. 

Speaking, Okonkwo stated that the competition is designed to empower the next generation of thinkers and leaders.

He emphasized that the annual competition continues to influence young minds, encouraging students to think critically about governance, leadership, and national development.

“For two decades, this platform has inspired students and contributed to shaping national conversations. Over the years, it has grown into a distinguished forum that challenges students to engage with key national issues," Okonkwo said. "As we celebrate this milestone and my 80th birthday, I am more convinced than ever that young people are the key to Nigeria’s transformation.”