BBYDI AI Essay Competition 2026 for Students

The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, BBYDI, has announced a nationwide essay competition for students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The competition is aimed at promoting AI literacy and responsible technology use among students; it also seeks to encourage critical thinking and informed discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in society, with attention to Nigeria's realities.

BBYDI said the competition is part of its "AI Literacy for Everyday People in Nigeria" project, which is supported by the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation.

Essay topic

Participants are to write on this topic:

"Artificial Intelligence for Public Good: Balancing Innovation, Human Welfare and Responsible Governance."

The notice states that essays may approach the theme from any angle, but each entry must be specific, well-researched and grounded in Nigeria's realities.

Essay format and submission guidelines

BBYDI listed the submission rules in clear terms. Essays must meet these conditions:

• Word count: 1,200 to 1,500 words
• Language: English
• Font: Times New Roman
• Font size: 12pt
• Spacing: double-spaced

That format matters; entries that miss the stated frame may fall outside the competition rules.

AI usage policy

Participants may use AI tools to support research and idea development. The final essay, though, must reflect the writer's own voice, argument and analysis. BBYDI added that essays which appear fully AI-generated without meaningful personal input will be disqualified.

That rule draws a sharp line. Research support is allowed; the final thinking and writing must still come from the student.

Prizes for winners

BBYDI has set cash prizes for the top three entries:

• 1st Prize: N400,000
• 2nd Prize: N300,000
• 3rd Prize: N200,000

Deadline and application link

All entries must be submitted on or before 15 April 2026 at 10:00 am WAT. Students who want to enter can submit through the BBYDI essay competition application form.

Contact details for enquiries

For further information, BBYDI provided these contact details:

Ahmed Adebowale: +234 810 830 2763

Halimat Olufade: +234 806 358 9052

Email: o.halimat@thebrainbuilders.org

Email: a.adebowale@thebrainbuilders.org

What students should note

The call is open, the topic is fixed and the deadline is close enough to demand early action. Students in Nigerian tertiary institutions who plan to submit should keep to the word count, follow the format and make sure the final essay carries their own voice and analysis.

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