Ogun Student Wins National Essay Competition

A student from Ogun State has emerged winner of the 2026 National Essay Competition organised by the Ajoke Aishat Afolabi Foundation as part of activities marking this year’s Children’s Day celebration.

The competition, which attracted over 200 entries from students across Nigeria, ended with 15-year-old Sharon Iwala, an SS2 student of Majesty Height Model College, Ota, clinching the overall prize after competing against 10 finalists.

The grand finale took place on May 26, 2026, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ikeja, Lagos.

The essay competition was themed “Building Character Versus Causing Trauma: Strategies for Effective Discipline in Schools.” Finalists participated in oral presentations and several elimination stages before the winners were announced.

Sharon Iwala defeated Anuoluwapo Mudasir of Vetland Senior Grammar School, Agege, Lagos, who finished as the first runner-up, while Oluwatoyosi Adeleye of Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary School, Ikeja, emerged second runner-up.

As part of the prizes, the overall winner received a laptop and other gift items, while her school was awarded a projector to support teaching and learning. The first runner-up received a tablet device, while the second runner-up was presented with a smartwatch.

Speaking during the event, the Executive Coordinator of the foundation, Mrs Foluke Ademokun, explained that the organisation has remained committed to supporting education, reducing poverty and empowering vulnerable individuals since its establishment in 2008.

According to her, the foundation has positively impacted more than 100,000 Nigerians through programmes focused on education, justice, empowerment and skills development.

She noted that the foundation regularly provides scholarships and infrastructural support to schools in order to improve the learning environment for students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Ademokun also explained that the essay competition was designed to encourage students to contribute ideas and solutions to important national issues affecting children and education in Nigeria.

She stated that previous editions had focused on topics such as environmental issues, governance, corruption and examination malpractice, while this year’s edition centered on effective discipline in schools.

According to her, students’ contributions from the competition would be shared with relevant government authorities to assist in policy development and educational reforms.

The competition was free and open to both public and private secondary school students nationwide.

Representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools and the Nigeria Union of Teachers praised the initiative for promoting quality education and investing in the future of Nigerian students.

Reacting to her victory, Sharon Iwala revealed that she worked hard to improve after finishing as second runner-up in the previous edition of the competition.

She added that participating in the contest helped her better understand national issues while also improving her confidence and public speaking abilities.