HELWA Foundation Essay Competition 2026
If I Were President for a Day…
An opportunity for young Nigerian women to share their ideas, perspectives and experiences on issues affecting women and girls, while using writing and creative expression as tools for advocacy and change.
- Submissions Open
- 1 October 2026
- Submission Deadline
- 15 October 2026 at 11:59 PM WAT
About the Competition
The HELWA Foundation National Essay Competition provides an opportunity for young Nigerian women to share their ideas, perspectives and experiences on issues affecting women and girls, while using writing and creative expression as tools for advocacy and change.
This year’s competition invites participants to respond to:
“If I Were President for a Day…”
Applicants are invited to identify a meaningful problem or issue affecting Nigeria and present a clear and realistic solution or vision, demonstrating their own ideas and perspective.
Who Can Apply
To participate, you must:
- Be a Nigerian woman aged 18–25 years as at the submission closing date.
- Be a currently enrolled student.
- Meet all other requirements outlined in the competition guidelines.
What You Need to Submit
Before beginning your application, please have the following ready.
Your Essay
Submit one original essay responding to:
“If I Were President for a Day…”
Your essay must:
- Respond directly to the competition topic.
- Identify a meaningful problem or issue affecting Nigeria.
- Present a clear and realistic solution or vision.
- Demonstrate your own ideas and perspective.
- Be no more than 1,500 words.
- Be your original work.
AI-generated or copied submissions are not permitted.
Your essay must not have been previously published or submitted to another competition.
Your 60-Second Vision
Submit a video of no more than 60 seconds communicating your vision.
Your video should:
- Clearly communicate your idea.
- Be no longer than 60 seconds.
- Be your original work.
- Be accessible through the link you provide.
You may use a smartphone. Professional equipment is not required.
Before submitting, please test your video link to make sure it is accessible.
Important Submission Guidelines
- Only one submission per eligible participant is permitted.
- Ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete.
- Your essay must be original and appropriately attributed where necessary.
- Submissions that do not meet the eligibility or submission requirements may be disqualified.
- Please review your essay, video link and all other information carefully before submitting.
- Once submitted, your response cannot be edited.
- Late submissions will not be accepted.
By submitting your application, you confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements, that the information provided is accurate, and that the essay and video submitted are your original work.