Essay Writing Challenge 2025

The Inaugural 88 Oak Essay Grants 2025: “The Future I Dream Of”

At 88 Oak Impact Organization, we believe that the future belongs to those who dare to dream it. The Inaugural 88 Oak Essay Grants 2025, themed “The Future I Dream Of,” is designed to give young people across Nigeria a platform to express their visions for tomorrow through the power of writing.

This flagship program seeks to amplify youth voices, foster critical thinking, and encourage innovative ideas that can shape a better society. By providing grants, recognition, and mentorship, the initiative not only rewards excellence but also nurtures the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.

Program Objectives

• Encourage Creative Expression: Inspire young people to articulate their hopes, dreams, and solutions for the future of Nigeria and the world.

• Promote Literacy & Critical Thinking: Strengthen writing, research, and communication skills among students.

• Foster Civic Engagement: Encourage young voices to engage in national conversations about development and social change.

• Recognize & Reward Talent: Provide financial grants, certificates, and mentorship opportunities to outstanding participants.

• Create a Youth Knowledge Bank: Build a repository of essays showcasing youth perspectives on Nigeria’s future challenges and opportunities.

Eligibility

• Open to secondary school and tertiary institution students across Nigeria.

• Categories:

  • Junior Category: JS1 – SS3

  • Senior Category: University/Polytechnic/College of Education undergraduates (up to age 25).

• Essays must be original, written in English, and between 800–1,500 words.

Submission Guidelines

1. Essays should be typed and submitted via email to programs@88oi.org with the SUBJECT LINE: “The Future I Dream Of” Essay Submission. Any other SUBJECT LINE will not be deemed a valid submission.

2. Each entry must include:

   • Full Name

   • School/Institution

   • Age & Class/Level

   • Contact Information

3. Deadline for submission: October 31, 2025.

4. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted in November 2025.

Selection & Evaluation

Essays will be judged by a panel of academics, writers, and professionals based on:

• Originality of ideas

• Relevance to the theme

• Clarity of expression

• Creativity and innovation

• Structure and grammar

Awards & Recognition

• Grand Prize Winners (1 per category):

  • Cash grant ₦250,000

  • Certificate of Achievement

  • One-year mentorship program with 88 Oak mentors

• Runners-Up (2 per category):

  • Cash prizes ₦150,000

  • Certificates and recognition

• Special Mentions (Top 10 per category):

  • Certificates of recognition

  • Feature on the 88 Oak website and publications

Program Impact

Through this initiative, we aim to:

• Empower 1,000+ young Nigerians to participate in the essay challenge.

• Publish a compilation of the top 50 essays as “Dreams of the Future: Youth Perspectives 2025.”

• Provide mentorship opportunities that connect youth to leaders across sectors.

• Foster a national movement of young people envisioning practical solutions for Nigeria’s development.