A 200-level Physiotherapy student of the University of Ilorin, Fabunmi Wisdom David, has emerged winner of the 10th Nigerian Content Annual National Undergraduate Essay Competition, securing the top prize of N1 million.
David clinched the award at the competition’s 10th anniversary and prize-giving ceremony held at the Nigerian Content Tower Conference Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday, after more than 3,000 entries were received for the 2026 edition.
The competition, organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, was themed “Promoting Manufacturing for Sustainable Local Content Development,” with a focus on encouraging undergraduates to develop research-driven solutions to challenges facing local manufacturing.
Enogieru Joy Oghogho, a 100-level Doctor of Optometry student at the University of Benin, emerged second and received N700,000, while Ahmadu Kodan Yusuf, a 100-level Law student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, came third with N500,000.
The General Manager, Corporate Communications, NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, who represented the Board at the event, said sustaining the competition for a decade underscored its commitment to education, youth capacity development and the promotion of local content consciousness.
Ezeobi said the initiative was designed to nurture a new generation of Nigerian Content champions by challenging students to develop innovative ideas that could strengthen domestic manufacturing and contribute to economic development.
He added that the competition reflected the Board’s broader investment in intellectual development and its mandate to deepen local content across the economy.
The Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, NCDMB, Esueme Dan Kikile, commended the Board for sustaining the initiative, stressing the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in identifying and preparing young talents for meaningful contributions to the Nigerian economy.
All three winners and the other top-five finalists received laptops, while the top 10 finalists were awarded N100,000 each.
Reacting Manager of Government Relations at NCDMB, Teddy Bai, congratulated the finalists and winners, urging them to pursue excellence and serve as ambassadors of Nigerian Content.
