Ogun student wins national essay contest

The Ajoke Aishat Afolabi Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting education and youth development as it rewarded winners of its 11th National Essay Competition held in commemoration of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration. At the grand finale of the competition held on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ikeja, 15-year-old Sharon Iwala, an SS2 student of Majesty Height Model College, Ota, Ogun State, emerged overall winner among 10 finalists selected from over 200 entries nationwide. The essay competition, themed “Building Character Versus Causing Trauma: Strategies for Effective Discipline in Schools,” featured oral presentations and elimination rounds before winners were announced. Iwala defeated Anuoluwapo Mudasir of Vetland Senior Grammar School, Agege, Lagos, and Oluwatoyosi Adeleye of Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary School, Ikeja, who emerged first and second runners-up, respectively. The overall winner, Iwala, received a laptop and other gift items, while her school was presented with a projector. The first and second runners-up received an air tablet and a smartwatch, respectively. Speaking at the event, the Executive Coordinator of the foundation, Mrs Foluke Ademokun, said the organisation, established in 2008, had continued to focus on poverty alleviation, educational support and socioeconomic empowerment for vulnerable persons. According to her, the foundation has impacted more than 100,000 Nigerians through interventions centred on education, justice and skill acquisition. “In education, we provide support to students and schools. We give scholarships in tuition to children from underprivileged homes and provide infrastructural support to schools to create a conducive teaching and learning environment,” she said. Ademokun added that the essay competition was aimed at encouraging students to contribute meaningfully to conversations on national issues affecting children and education. “We choose topics based on pressing national issues. We have previously explored the environment, governance, corruption and examination malpractice. “This year, we focused on achieving effective discipline in schools. We want students’ voices in that discussion. Their contributions will be presented to the government to aid policy formulation,” she stated. She noted that the competition remained free and open to students in public and private secondary schools across the country. Stakeholders at the event, including representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, commended the foundation for investing in human capital development and promoting quality education. Reacting to her victory, Iwala said she prepared intensely for the competition after emerging second runner-up in the previous edition. She added that the contest had improved her understanding of national issues and strengthened her public speaking skills. “I studied very hard for this competition because I wanted to improve on my previous performance. The competition has exposed me to national issues and helped me build confidence,” she said.