The Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay Competition (JAME) is now open for the 2026 edition, offering undergraduate students across Nigeria the chance to win cash prizes and join a mental health fellowship program. This annual competition is organized by the Asido Foundation in honor of Miss Jemila Abubakar, the foundation’s pioneer program manager who passed away in July 2020.
If you are a passionate writer and interested in mental health advocacy, this is a great opportunity to showcase your skills.
Competition Overview
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Host: Asido Foundation
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Category: Essay Competition
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Eligible Country: Nigeria
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Benefits:
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Winner: ₦200,000
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1st Runner-Up: ₦150,000
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2nd Runner-Up: ₦100,000
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Top 15 entries will also be selected for a special mentorship program
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Deadline: December 14, 2025
About the Asido Foundation
The Asido Foundation is committed to building a Nigerian society where everyone enjoys optimal mental health, regardless of their background.
The JAME competition is part of efforts to raise mental health awareness among young people and empower undergraduates to contribute meaningful insights through creative writing.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the 2026 Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay Competition, applicants must:
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Be an undergraduate in any Nigerian tertiary institution:
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Universities
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Polytechnics
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Colleges of Education
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Monotechnics
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Schools of Nursing
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Provide proof of studentship (e.g., school ID)
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Sign and upload the Asido Foundation’s Unashamed Pledge
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Submit an essay between 750 – 1500 words
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Write on the official competition topic
2026 Essay Topic
“Mental Health and Career Adaptability in a Dynamic Work Environment.”
Applicants must explore how young people can maintain good mental health while adjusting to rapidly changing career demands.
Benefits
Participants stand to gain:
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₦200,000 cash prize for the winner
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₦150,000 for the 1st runner-up
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₦100,000 for the 2nd runner-up
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Mentorship opportunities for the top 15 submissions
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Exposure to mental health advocacy and fellowship activities
Documents Required
Applicants must upload the following:
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Your essay entry (Microsoft Word document)
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Signed Unashamed Pledge
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Proof of studentship (e.g., student ID)
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Recent passport photograph
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Personal details
How To Apply for the 2026 JAME Essay Competition
Follow these steps:
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Click the application link.
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Upload your essay (minimum 750 words, maximum 1500 words).
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Ensure your essay is in Microsoft Word (.doc) format.
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Upload all required documents:
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Passport photograph
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Student ID
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Signed Unashamed Pledge
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Submit before the deadline.
⚠️ Important: AI-generated essays and plagiarism will lead to automatic disqualification.
Application Deadline
December 14, 2025 (11:59 PM).
