Olaoye Flourish, a student of Christ the King International School, Gbagada, Lagos State, has won the 19th Edition of the Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Nigerian secondary schools.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Olaoye scored 73% in the competition, which was held at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) International Headquarters, Gbagada, Lagos.
Nora Femi-Lawal of Chrisland High School, Lekki, finished with an average score of 64.5% while Olayimika Esther Durotimi took the third spot with an average score of 61%.
Speaking, Professer Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, the Chief Examiner noted: “The three winners tackled the topics with a level of thoughtfulness appropriate for their age. They conveyed their ideas in a manner befitting exceptional students of their age and grade.
“Their command of the English language structures highlights their meticulous nature and significant potential. We congratulate them, as well as the other finalists, and wish them great success in their future endeavours”.
She said that AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google Assistant and Gemini, alongside online services, have become a growing influence that produces and sells essays to students,
“As we can no longer avoid these technologies,” she noted, “we must adapt to them and remain vigilant in finding ways to mitigate their negative impact on knowledge production.”
Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo further emphasised, “While we reflect on the direction scientific advancements are leading us, the seven students invited to the finals offer a glimmer of hope.
“They have engaged with issues, using both their hearts and minds, employing original thought within the framework of knowledge production methodologies. These students are the ones who, through their creativity, generate the content that technology often feeds upon.
“We must, therefore, encourage them—as Bishop Okonkwo is doing—by sharpening their critical thinking skills, recognising their contributions, and rewarding their efforts.”
The competition winner will receive a cheque for N500,000, a trophy, and a plaque, while her school will be awarded a set of computers. For the second prize winner, a cheque for N250,000 and a plaque, with her school also receiving a set of computers.
The third place winner will be awarded a cheque for N150,000, a plaque, and a computer set for her school. The remaining finalists will each receive a consolation prize of N20,000.
The winners, alongside their schools, will be honoured and rewarded at the Zenith Bank Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, in the 23rd Bishop Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture Series, with the theme “Nigeria’s Pathways: Diagnosis and Prescriptions”.
Highly esteemed Nigerian lawyer and politician Barrister Kanu Agabi, who has served as a Senator and twice as Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, will deliver an inspiring lecture.
Atedo Peterside, the President and Founder of ANAP Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting good governance in Nigeria will be chair the event.
Launched in 2004, the Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition was created as part of the celebrations for the birthday of the Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo (MFR).
The competition, which is now beyond celebration, was created to make a meaningful contribution to the development of the Nigerian educational sector.
Dr. Mike Okonkwo has remained committed to this cause for nineteen years, using his God-given talents, strength, and resources to bless the younger generation in their pursuit of academic excellence.
He does this by encouraging students to develop strong reading and writing habits. Dr. Okonkwo, a man of faith who believes in the holistic development of humanity, has made significant strides in achieving his vision by institutionalising the Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition.
The competition has enkindled a passion for reading and writing, and alsoheightened interest in research, extensive reading, and constructive writing among participating students.
Students in the competition have access to the platform to express their views on crucial issues impacting the socio-economic development of our nation.
Aside this, the competition plays an vital role in advancing ICT development in secondary schools, particularly within government-owned institutions. Winners from both government and private schools have been consistently rewarded with both in-kind and cash gifts.
Dr. Mike Okonkwo, the Chief Sponsor and visionary behind the programme, remains confident that Nigerian youths can compete on par with their peers in developed nations.