Murtala Muhammed Foundation ‘Education for Change’ Essay Competition

ESSAY TOPIC: 'Education for Change’ Essay Competition

Essay Subject: Good governance and economy
Course Level: Undergraduate, Secondary school
Provider: Murtala Muhammed Foundation
Country to Study in: Nigeria

Scholarship Description
The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) is pleased to announce the maiden edition of the ‘Education for Change’ Essay competition, which is in line with the Foundation’s Public Policy Dialogues aimed at increasing transparency, democracy, and accountability in government and the economy.

The 2013 Murtala Muhammed Foundation Policy Dialogue – will have as its focus “Investing in Nigeria’s Future: Unlocking the Potential of our Next Generation of Leaders”.

In line with mmfoundation mandate to empower the youths to become exemplary leaders that shall stir this great nation towards the path of sustainable development; the essay competition is focused on promoting critical thinking, harnessing ideas and developing the talents abilities gifts and skills inherent in the youth. This the foundation expects shall translate into a ripple effect of awareness and provide a platform for growth of future leaders for Nigeria.

Eligibility
Rules & Regulations:

1. The competition is open to students from registered Federal and State Private Universities and Polytechnics of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
2. The competition is open to students from registered Public and Private Secondary Schools of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
3. All applicants must be legal residents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
4. The candidate must be aged between 18-25 years for Polytechnics and Universities and between 12-17 years for secondary schools.
5. The essay submitted must not be more than five hundred words (500 Words). Failure to comply with this shall lead to automatic disqualification.
6. All entries must be written in the English language.
7. The candidate must only apply based on one topic that should be submitted electronically. Multiple applications will be disqualified.
8. Relations and staff of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation are not eligible to apply.
9. Falsification of any detail on the application shall nullify it.
10. The Applicants bio-data shall be used by the Foundation for publicity purposes.
11. The top five shortlisted Applicants shall be invited for an interview and then the top three shall be awarded the prizes.
12. All entries must be properly referenced, as plagiarism shall not be permitted. Note that information from the following websites is not allowed as forms of reference for this competition: Wikipedia or any wiki links site. The research much reflects appropriate and relevant peer-reviewed journals and legitimate websites.

Judging:
Your essay shall be judged on seven criteria:

1. Content: How convincing are the main points and conclusion of the essay?
2. Organization: How logical is the flow of thoughts?
3. Relevance: Relationship between the essay and the topic?
4. Critical thinking: Ability to think creatively.
5. Grammar: Spelling and punctuation.
6. Reference: Ability to provide proper referencing from reliable sources.
7. Word Count: Adherence to the 500 words for the essay as stipulated.

Eligible groups
Citizens of Nigeria ONLY

Participating Institutions
ALL registered Universities, Polytechnics AND Secondary Schools in Nigeria

Fields of study
UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC ESSAY COMPETITION TOPIC
Topic - Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world.
-- Nelson Mandela.

SECONDARY SCHOOL ESSAY COMPETITION TOPIC
Topic - Education is that which remains when one has forgotten everything he learned in school
-- Albert Einstein.

Scholarship benefits
UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC ESSAY COMPETITION TOPIC
Prize:

• First prize: N150,000
• Second Prize: N100,000
• Third Prize: N75,000

SECONDARY SCHOOL ESSAY COMPETITION TOPIC
Prize:

• First Prize: N100,000
• Second Prize: N75,000
• Third Prize: N50,000

Method of Application
All applications should be sent to info@mmfng.org with the applicants full detail (Full Names, Age, Gender, Email Addresses, Phone Contact, School/Institution, State of Residence, State of Origin). The deadline for submission is as stated below.

DEADLINES:
The deadline for the submission of forms is 16th August, 2013. 

PLEASE NOTE:
Successful candidates shall be contacted.

All entries must be properly referenced, as plagiarism shall not be permitted. Note that information from the following websites is not allowed as forms of reference for this competition: Wikipedia or any wiki links site.

The awards shall be presented at the Investing in Nigeria’s Future: Unlocking the Potential of our Next Generation of Leaders Conference on 9th October, 2013 and all top three awardees shall be given a plaque and certificate of accomplishment and attend the pre-conference dinner with the Trustees’ of the Foundation. 

Application Deadline: 16 August 2013
Open to International students: No (ONLY Nigerians)