20 Words Let’s Write 2026 Essay Writing Competition for Students

20 Words has announced the Let’s Write 2026 Essay Writing Competition for senior secondary school students across Nigeria.

The competition gives SS1, SS2, and SS3 students a chance to write on Nigeria’s current educational policy, point out the challenges, and suggest practical solutions within a short essay format.

Prizes for the Competition

The top entry will receive ₦200,000.

The second-place winner will receive ₦50,000; for students who enjoy argument, research, and clean writing, this gives them a reason to put their ideas on paper before the closing date.

Essay Topic

The prescribed topic for the 20 Words Let’s Write 2026 Essay Writing Competition is:

“Analyze the challenges faced by Nigeria’s current educational policy and propose practical solutions.”

Students should focus on the topic as given by the organisers.

Who Can Apply

The competition is open to students currently enrolled in Nigerian secondary schools from SS1 to SS3.

No other class group was listed.

Submission Rules

Students must write between 300 and 500 words.

Each entry must carry the student’s full name, class, school name, and school location, and the student must also attach an acknowledgement letter from the school to prove studentship.

Missing details will lead to disqualification.

Submission Dates and Email

Submission opens on 1 May 2026.

Submission closes on 27 May 2026; all entries must reach the organisers before that deadline.

Entries should be sent to info@20words.com.ng.

How Entries Will Be Judged

The organisers listed the marking guide as follows:

• Content: 60%
• Structure and organisation: 20%
• Writing style: 20%
• Grammar, punctuation, and spelling: 20%

The listed total comes to 120%, as stated in the source.

Message from the Organisers

The organisers encouraged students across Nigeria to take part with this message:

“You got ideas? Got passion? This is YOUR moment. Write it. Send it. Win it!”

Students who meet the class requirement and can attach proof from their school should prepare their essays and submit before 27 May 2026.

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Meet The Author

This post is authored by Olusegun Fapohunda, the founder and editor of MySchoolGist.

Boasting over a decade of expertise in the education sector, Olusegun offers current insights into educational trends, career opportunities, and the latest news.

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