The BBYDI Essay Competition invites students to write on “Artificial Intelligence for Public Good: Balancing Innovation, Human Welfare, and Responsible Governance”. Essays should focus on AI in Nigeria and how it impacts real people and communities.
The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative National Essay Competition 2026 is open for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. This National Essay Competition focuses on AI literacy and responsible technology use. It gives young Nigerians a platform to share ideas on how artificial intelligence affects education, healthcare, governance, and public life.
Deadline: 15 April 2026, 10:00 AM (WAT)
Prizes: ₦400,000 (1st), ₦300,000 (2nd), ₦200,000 (3rd)
Apply: Click Here to Apply
Table of Contents
About the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative Essay Competition
BBYDI is a youth-led Nigerian nonprofit and a leading voice on AI literacy, digital rights, and responsible technology use in Nigeria and across Africa. Our work includes Kemi, an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot that provides a safe space for women and girls experiencing technology-facilitated gender-based violence. The tool was co-created with survivors and it’s the first of its kind in West and Central Africa.
This program is part of BBYDI’s AI Literacy for Everyday People in Nigeria project, supported by the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. BBYDI is a youth-led nonprofit that promotes AI literacy, digital rights, and responsible technology use in Nigeria and Africa.
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Who is Eligible
To enter the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative National Essay Competition, you must:
- Be a current student in a recognized Nigerian tertiary institution (university, polytechnic, college of education, college of technology, school of nursing, or diploma-awarding institution)
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Submit an original, unpublished essay
- Allow BBYDI to publish or reference your essay with attribution
Essay Topic
Artificial Intelligence for Public Good:
Balancing Innovation, Human Welfare, and Responsible Governance
Participants in the National Essay Competition must write essays grounded in Nigerian realities.
Your essay should address issues such as:
- AI governance in Nigerian sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, governance, or creative industries
- Responsible AI development in communities with limited internet access
- Youth participation in shaping AI development in Nigeria
- Ethical decisions involved in AI adoption
Your argument must stay specific, well-reasoned, and supported with evidence. This requirement stands as a key rule of the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative National Essay Competition.
Essay Requirements
Participants in the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative National Essay Competition must follow these rules.
Word Count
- 1,200 to 1,500 words excluding references
Language
- English
Formatting
- Times New Roman
- Font size 12
- Double spacing
Structure
- Clear argument with logical flow
AI tools support research and idea development. Judges require original thinking and authentic analysis.
Benefits of the National Essay Competition
The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative National Essay Competition offers strong benefits for participants.
- ₦400,000 prize for first place
- ₦300,000 prize for second place
- ₦200,000 prize for third place
- ₦100,000 award for each top 10 finalist
- National recognition for winners
- Publication of top essays in BBYDI advocacy materials
- Exposure to national conversations on AI policy
The BBYDI Essay Competition also gives students an opportunity to influence discussions on technology governance in Nigeria.
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Documents Required
Applicants must prepare the following documents for the National Essay Competition application:
- Completed application form
- Essay document upload
- Valid student ID
- Accurate personal information in the form
Structure of the Essay Application
The BBYDI Essay Competition follows a structured academic writing approach.
- Essay submission
- Review by judges
- Shortlisting of top essays
- Announcement of winners and publication of top essays
Selection Process
Judges review essays in the National Essay Competition using strict criteria.
Judges evaluate essays based on:
- Originality: Unique and well-reasoned argument
- Contextual depth: Nigerian-focused examples
- Ethical awareness: Fairness, inclusion, responsibility
- Clarity: Structured, readable, and precise writing
Strong performance in these areas improves success in the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative National Essay Competition.
Tips for a Strong Application
Students preparing entries for the BBYDI Essay Competition should follow these steps.
- Focus on a clear argument
- Use Nigerian examples and evidence
- Address ethical concerns in AI adoption
- Keep your essay structured and concise
- Avoid general overviews of AI
- Proofread before submitting
How to Apply for BBYDI Essay Competition
Follow these steps to submit your entry for the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative National Essay Competition.
- Write your essay following BBYDI guidelines.
- Prepare your essay in the required format.
- Visit Application Link
- Fill in personal and academic details.
- Upload your essay.
- Submit before 15 April 2026, 10:00 AM WAT
Application Deadline: 15 April 2026, 10:00 AM (WAT
