Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay (JAME) Competition 2026

The Asido Foundation has opened entries for the 6th edition of the Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay (JAME) Competition, a national mental health writing contest for undergraduate students in Nigeria.

The competition invites young people in higher education to share clear, thoughtful essays on mental wellbeing, resilience and support for young people.

About the Jemila Abubakar Memorial Essay (JAME) Competition

The JAME competition was created in memory of Jemila Abubakar, a committed mental health advocate and former project officer at the Asido Foundation. Each year, the competition invites undergraduate students from universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria to write on mental health themes that matter to young people.

Since it began, JAME has grown into one of Nigeria's well-known youth-led mental health programmes, with thousands of essays sent in from all parts of the country.

Why students should apply

Taking part in the JAME 2026 competition can help students to:

• Build stronger writing and critical thinking skills
• Share their ideas with a national audience
• Receive guidance in mental health advocacy
• Strengthen their academic and professional profile
• Gain financial support for their education

Theme and purpose for 2026

Mental Health and Career Adaptability in a Dynamic Work Environment

This year's theme focuses on a real issue many Nigerian students face: how mental health affects career adaptability in a fast-changing work environment. The competition encourages students to think carefully about workplace stress, emotional resilience and the skills needed to grow in their careers.

Essays should connect mental health to study plans, career choices and real work settings that students may enter after graduation.

Who can enter

To enter the 2026 edition, applicants need to meet these conditions:

• Be an undergraduate student in any accredited tertiary school in Nigeria
• Provide valid proof of studentship, such as a student ID card or official school confirmation
• Sign the Asido Foundation's Unashamed Pledge, which supports open and honest talk about mental health

Students can sign the pledge on the official Asido Foundation Unashamed Pledge page.

Entry guidelines

To keep the competition fair and clear, students should follow these rules:

• Essay length must be between 750 and 1,500 words
• The essay must respond directly to the 2026 theme
• Required documents for submission are:
  • A scanned passport photograph
  • Proof of studentship
  • Certificate showing that the Asido Unashamed Pledge has been signed
• All entries must be sent through the official JAME 2026 entry form

This is the only valid submission link for the 2026 edition.

How to apply step by step

Step 1: Read the theme carefully

Students should first read the theme in full and think about how mental health connects with career development, adaptability and workplace challenges.

Step 2: Do research

Students are encouraged to use credible sources, real-life examples and personal or peer experiences to support their points.

Step 3: Draft the essay

Next, students can prepare a first draft with a clear introduction, a logical middle and a strong closing. The essay should stay rooted in the Nigerian context and reflect real student experiences where possible.

Step 4: Edit and proofread

After writing, students should review the essay for grammar, flow and clarity. A well-edited essay is easier for judges to read and understand.

Step 5: Prepare all required documents

Students should make sure that their passport photograph, proof of studentship and pledge certificate are scanned, easy to read and ready for upload.

Step 6: Submit through the official link

Once the essay and documents are ready, students can submit everything through the official JAME 2026 entry form. After submission, they should check their email inbox for a confirmation message.

Deadline for submission

All entries must be received by 11:59 PM WAT on December 14th, 2025.

Late submissions will not be accepted, so students are encouraged to start early and allow time for writing, review and upload.

Awards and recognition

The top three essays will receive these cash prizes:

• First Prize: ₦200,000
• Second Prize: ₦150,000
• Third Prize: ₦100,000

Beyond the cash prizes, the top 15 finalists will receive certificates and will be inducted as JAME 2026 Fellows. They will also gain access to a mentorship programme within the Asido Foundation's mental health development network.

Winners will be announced in January 2026 during the foundation's Interactive Monthly Community Engagement Series (IMCE).

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

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