Category 1
AI for Science, Technology and Innovation
For students interested in technical and technology-driven solutions.
Apply2026 Theme · Artificial Intelligence
From #ashtags to Action
Gen Z's Blueprint for a Better Nigeria
From Consumption to Creation: Empowering Young Nigerians to Solve Real Problems with Artificial Intelligence
Powered by Love in Action Foundation
About the competition
From Hashtags to Action
The Love in Action Foundation is committed to empowering humanity and sharing the love of Jesus Christ through practical acts of compassion. Through healthcare initiatives, educational scholarships, and community outreach programmes, the Foundation invests in developing individuals who can make meaningful contributions to society.
The Foundation continues its flagship national essay competition, From Hashtags to Action: Gen Z's Blueprint for a Better Nigeria, designed to inspire young Nigerians to move beyond discussing national challenges and begin developing practical solutions.
This year's theme, From Consumption to Creation: Empowering Young Nigerians to Solve Real Problems with Artificial Intelligence, challenges students to rethink the role of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria's future. Rather than viewing AI simply as a tool for assignments or content creation, participants are invited to explore how it can be applied to address real challenges facing the nation.
Our goal is to nurture a generation of innovative thinkers who combine critical analysis, creativity, and responsible leadership to design solutions capable of transforming communities and improving lives.
2026
Theme for 2026
From Consumption to Creation: Empowering Young Nigerians to Solve Real Problems with Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping the world. This year's competition challenges participants to think beyond everyday uses of AI and explore how it can solve real problems affecting Nigeria.
Participants are expected to identify a significant national challenge and propose innovative, practical, and realistic AI-driven solutions that can contribute to national development.
Essays should demonstrate originality, critical thinking, and a clear understanding of how Artificial Intelligence can be responsibly applied to improve lives and strengthen Nigeria's future.
Choose your path
Competition Categories
To encourage broader participation and recognise the diverse expertise of students across different disciplines, entries will be received under two categories. Submit under one category only.
Category 2
AI for Governance and Social Impact
Focuses on the application of AI to public policy, governance, and societal development.
Who can apply
Eligibility
Open to undergraduate students currently enrolled in government-owned Nigerian universities and polytechnics, irrespective of faculty or level of study.
What you can win
Prize
Full Undergraduate Tuition Scholarship until Graduation
Before you submit
Submission Requirements
- Essays must be written in English.
- Maximum length: 2,000 words.
- Participants should submit under one competition category only.
- Submission deadline: 10th August 2026
Guidelines
Rules and Guidelines
- The competition is open only to undergraduate students enrolled in public Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
- Essays must be original and unpublished.
- Essays must not exceed 2,000 words.
- Essays should be typed in Times New Roman, font size 12, with 1.5 line spacing and fully justified.
- Essays must include the author's name, institution, email address, phone number, essay title, and selected competition category on the first page.
- The word count excludes the cover information.
- Essays generated wholly or substantially through generative AI tools will be disqualified.
- Each submission must be the work of a single author.
- By submitting an essay, participants grant the organisers permission to publish their work while retaining intellectual ownership.
Required Essay Structure
- 01Introduction
- 02Definition of the National Challenge
- 03Current Limitations
- 04Proposed AI-Based Solution
- 05Implementation Roadmap
- 06Expected Impact
- 07Conclusion
Implementation Roadmap
Participants should clearly explain:
- Who would implement the solution?
- What AI technology would be required?
- What resources or partnerships would be needed?
- What challenges could arise during implementation?
- How would success be measured?