Flourish Olaoye, a student of Christ the King International School, Gbagada, Lagos, has emerged as the winner of the 19th Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition, a prestigious contest for Nigerian secondary schools.
Out of 551 entries submitted from across Nigeria, a significant number, 341, were disqualified due to infractions. Despite the competition, Olaoye distinguished herself, scoring 71 percent in the initial round and 75 percent in the final round, culminating in an average score of 73 percent. This achievement earned her the top spot in the competition.
Nora Femi-Lawal of Chrisland High School, Lekki, secured second place with an average score of 64.5 percent, while Olayimika Durotimi of Corona Secondary School, Agbara, took third place with an average score of 61 percent.
The Chief Examiner, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, praised the winners for their thoughtful engagement with the essay topics and their command of the English language. She highlighted the growing influence of AI tools like ChatGPT in education and emphasized the need for students to continue developing their critical thinking skills.
For her victory, Olaoye will receive a cheque for N500,000, along with a trophy and a plaque, while her school will be awarded a set of computers. Femi-Lawal, who came in second, will take home N250,000 and a plaque, with her school also receiving computers. Durotimi, who placed third, will be awarded N150,000, a plaque, and a computer set for her school. The remaining finalists will each receive a consolation prize of N20,000.
All winners and their schools will be recognized at the 23rd Bishop Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture Series, themed *Nigeria’s Pathways: Diagnosis and Prescriptions,* scheduled to take place in Lagos on September 5, 2024. The lecture will be delivered by Barrister Kanu Agabi, with Mr. Atedo Peterside, President and Founder of ANAP Foundation, serving as the event chair.
The Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition, launched in 2004, continues to inspire and reward young minds across Nigeria, encouraging them to think critically and engage with important national issues.
