Out of 551 essay entries submitted by secondary schools across Nigeria, and after disqualifying 341 essays due to infractions, Olaoye Flourish of Christ the King International School, Gbagada, Lagos, has been declared the winner of the 19TH Edition of the Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Nigerian secondary schools.
To clinch first place, Flourish Olaoye scored 71% in the initial round of the competition and 75% in the final round, which was held at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) International Headquarters, Gbagada, Lagos, achieving a total average score of 73%.
Nora Femi-Lawal of Chrisland High School, Lekki, took second place with scores of 65% in the first round and 64% in the final round, resulting in an average score of 64.5%.
The third position was awarded to Olayimika Esther Durotimi of Corona Secondary School, Agbara, who scored 62% in the first round and 60% in the final round, with an average score of 61%.
The Chief Examiner, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, noted, “The three winners tackled the topics with a level of thoughtfulness appropriate for their age. They conveyed their ideas in a manner befitting exceptional students of their age and grade. Their command of the English language structures highlights their meticulous nature and significant potential. We congratulate them, as well as the other finalists, and wish them great success in their future endeavours.”
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She also commented on the growing influence of AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Assistant, and Gemini, along with online services that produce and sell essays to students, as becoming commonplace in our educational system.
“As we can no longer avoid these technologies,” she noted, “we must adapt to them and remain vigilant in finding ways to mitigate their negative impact on knowledge production.”
Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo further emphasised, “While we reflect on the direction scientific advancements are leading us, the seven students invited to the finals offer a glimmer of hope. They have engaged with issues, using both their hearts and minds, employing original thought within the framework of knowledge production methodologies.
These students are the ones who, through their creativity, generate the content that technology often feeds upon. We must, therefore, encourage them—as Bishop Okonkwo is doing—by sharpening their critical thinking skills, recognising their contributions, and rewarding their efforts.”
For their achievements, Olaoye Flourish will receive a cheque for N500,000, along with a trophy and a plaque, while her school will be awarded a set of computers. Nora Femi-Lawal, who secured second place, will take home a cheque for N250,000 and a plaque, with her school also receiving a set of computers.
For placing third in this year’s competition, Miss Olayimika Esther Durotimi will be awarded a cheque for N150,000, a plaque, and a computer set for her school. The remaining finalists will each receive a consolation prize of N20,000.
All the winners and their schools will be honoured and rewarded at the 23rd Bishop Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture Series, with the theme “Nigeria’s Pathways: Diagnosis and Prescriptions”.
The event will take place at the Zenith Bank Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, on Thursday, September 5, 2024. The lecture will be delivered by Barrister Kanu Agabi, a highly esteemed Nigerian lawyer and politician who has served as a Senator and twice as Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation.
The event will be chaired by Mr. Atedo Peterside, the President and Founder of ANAP Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting good governance in Nigeria.
The Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition was launched in 2004 as part of the celebrations for the birthday of the Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo (MFR).
Beyond the celebration, the competition was established to make a meaningful contribution to the development of the Nigerian educational sector. For nineteen years, Dr. Mike Okonkwo has remained committed to this cause, using his God-given talents, strength, and resources to bless the younger generation in their pursuit of academic excellence. By encouraging students to develop strong reading and writing habits, Dr. Okonkwo, a man of faith who believes in the holistic development of humanity, has made significant strides in achieving his vision through the institutionalisation of the Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition.
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The essay competition has sparked a heightened interest in research, extensive reading, and constructive writing among participating students. In addition to enkindling a passion for reading and writing, the competition provides students with a platform to express their views on crucial issues, impacting the socio-economic development of our nation. It has also played a role in advancing ICT development in secondary schools, particularly within government-owned institutions.
Winners from both government and private schools have been consistently rewarded with both in-kind and cash gifts.
Dr. Mike Okonkwo, the Chief Sponsor and visionary behind the programme, remains confident that Nigerian youths can compete on par with their peers in developed nations.
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