The HELWA Foundation National Essay Competition 2026 is open to young Nigerian women who want to share their ideas on issues affecting Nigeria, women, and girls.
The HELWA Foundation Essay Competition offers cash prizes of up to ₦500,000 for the top three winners.
The first-place winner will receive ₦500,000, while the second and third-place winners will receive ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 respectively.
About HELWA Foundation
The Her Education, Literacy & Wellness Advancement, HELWA Foundation, is a Nigerian non-profit organization founded by Dr. Rasheedah Amussah.
The foundation focuses on education, literacy, wellness, and the advancement of women and girls.
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About HELWA Foundation National Essay Competition
The HELWA Foundation National Essay Competition provides young Nigerian women with an opportunity to share their ideas, perspectives, and experiences on issues affecting women and girls.
Competition Topic
The HELWA Foundation Essay Competition 2026 asks applicants to respond to:
“If I Were President for a Day…”
Applicants should identify a meaningful problem affecting Nigeria and present a clear and realistic solution or vision.
HELWA Foundation National Essay Competition Prizes
The HELWA Foundation Essay Competition offers the following cash prizes:
- 1st Prize: ₦500,000
- 2nd Prize: ₦300,000
- 3rd Prize: ₦200,000
The prizes give successful participants financial recognition for their ideas and creative expression.
Who Can Apply?
To participate in the HELWA National Essay Competition, you must:
- Be a Nigerian woman.
- Be between 18 and 25 years old as at the submission closing date.
- Be a currently enrolled student.
- Meet all other requirements stated in the competition guidelines.
This National Essay Competition for students targets eligible young Nigerian women.
Essay Requirements
Applicants must submit one original essay based on:
“If I Were President for a Day…”
Your essay must:
- Respond directly to the topic.
- Identify a meaningful problem or issue affecting Nigeria.
- Present a clear and realistic solution or vision.
- Show your own ideas and perspective.
- Contain no more than 1,500 words.
- Be your original work.
- Not contain AI-generated or copied content.
- Not have been previously published or submitted to another competition.
The HELWA Foundation National Essay Competition requires participants to submit original work.
60-Second Vision Video
Applicants must also submit a video of no more than 60 seconds.
Your video should:
- Clearly communicate your idea.
- Be no longer than 60 seconds.
- Be your original work.
- Be accessible through the submitted link.
You do not need professional equipment. You may use a smartphone.
Test your video link before submitting your application.
Important Submission Guidelines
Before submitting your HELWA Foundation Essay Competition entry, check the following:
- Only one submission is allowed per eligible participant.
- All information must be accurate and complete.
- Your essay must be original.
- Properly attribute information where necessary.
- Review your essay and video link before submission.
- You cannot edit your response after submission.
- Late submissions will not be accepted.
By submitting your entry, you confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements and that your essay and video are your original work.
How to Prepare Your Entry
Follow these steps before submitting:
- Go to HELWA Foundation Essay Competition Portal
- Read the competition requirements.
- Choose a meaningful Nigerian issue.
- Develop your solution or vision.
- Write your essay within the 1,500-word limit.
- Review and proofread your essay.
- Record your 60-second vision video.
- Upload your video and test the link.
- Check all information carefully.
- Submit your entry before the deadline.
HELWA National Essay Competition Deadline
Submissions for the HELWA National Essay Competition 2026 open on October 1, 2026
The submission deadline is October 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM WAT
