The winners of the 2025 National Essay Competition have been announced, with three young Nigerians emerging at the top of a contest aimed at encouraging fresh ideas on tax reforms and national development. Vincent Maduka won the first prize, while Loveson Anselm and Ogunleye Ayomide clinched the first and second runner-up positions. The essay competition, sponsored by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), drew participation from students across the country, reflecting growing interest among young people in issues shaping Nigeria’s economic future.
The event was held on Wednesday, November 26, in Abuja. It was organised by Foluso Sylvanus Ojo, publisher of the Abuja City Journal, who said he created the platform to celebrate academic excellence among Nigerian youths. According to him, the competition was born out of concern that students with exceptional intellectual abilities were not being adequately recognised compared to entertainers who receive large rewards and national attention.
“Our youth should be celebrated for their intellectual achievements,” Ojo said during his address at the awards ceremony. “It was heartbreaking when a top graduate was awarded a paltry sum while entertainers were given millions. That realisation led to this competition. We want to support students with strong academic potential and reward their hard work.”
Promoting Academic Excellence Through Tax Education
This year’s theme, Write the Future, encouraged participants to explore how tax reforms could shape Nigeria’s economic direction in the years ahead. Many of the essays focused on issues such as tax administration, revenue mobilisation, and the need for a more efficient tax system to support development. The theme came at a time when Nigeria is pushing for major tax reforms to boost government revenue, reduce reliance on oil, and improve public services.
Speaking at the event, Ojo explained that the topic was chosen to help young Nigerians understand the critical role taxation plays in nation-building. “We are writing towards the future because the topics discussed today, like tax policies, are about Nigeria’s development,” he said.
Over the past few years, the Nigerian government has been working to improve tax compliance and widen the tax net. The FIRS has introduced several digital systems aimed at simplifying tax processes, reducing loopholes, and increasing accountability. These ongoing reforms formed the background for the essays submitted in the competition, challenging participants to offer solutions that could support long-term growth.
Finalists Share Their Journey and Insights
One of the top winners, Loveson Anselm, a medical student at the University of Jos, said he was overwhelmed with joy when he learned that he had been selected as a finalist. According to him, balancing his medical studies with research for the essay was not easy, especially since he was preparing for professional exams when the competition was announced.
“It’s a dream come true,” Anselm said. “I took the chance, researched deeply on tax reforms, and it paid off.” He explained that while many people criticise government tax policies, a closer look reveals that some of the reforms are aimed at strengthening the economy. “What I discovered through my research is that the tax reform’s intention is genuine. If fully implemented, it will positively impact Nigeria’s fiscal health.”
Anselm also encouraged other young Nigerians to remain committed to education, stating that critical thinking and knowledge are essential tools for building a better nation. “Education is not a scam; it pays,” he said, addressing the growing trend of young Nigerians dismissing formal education in favour of quick online fame or entertainment.
FIRS Reaffirms Commitment to Education and Youth Development
The FIRS, which sponsored the competition, said educating young Nigerians about tax administration is crucial to the country’s economic development. Representing the agency at the event, Mohamed Adaya Salisu, Chief Economic Advisor to the FIRS Chairman, emphasised the importance of human capital development.
“The future is bright,” Salisu said. “The FIRS is committed to funding education and human capital development, which are crucial for Nigeria’s growth.” He noted that young people must understand the importance of taxation, not only as a source of government revenue but also as a tool for building infrastructure, funding public services, and supporting national development.
Over the years, FIRS has supported various initiatives aimed at improving tax literacy, including school outreach programmes, partnerships with educational institutions, and public awareness campaigns. Salisu said the essay competition aligns with the agency’s mission to engage young people and prepare them for leadership roles in the future.
Experts Highlight Nigeria’s Opportunities and Challenges
The event also featured a keynote speech by Engineer Michael Oluwagbemi, who spoke about Nigeria’s potential and the many challenges facing the country. He emphasized that Nigeria’s large youth population could be a great asset if properly empowered.
“Nigeria, with its young population, faces numerous challenges but also immense opportunities,” Oluwagbemi said. He explained that if Nigeria invests in education, skills development, and good governance, the country could position itself as a major force on the African continent.
He encouraged the finalists to stay engaged in national issues and use their knowledge to push for positive change. According to him, competitions like the National Essay Competition help nurture critical thinking and prepare young people for leadership.
Celebrating the Next Generation of Thinkers
As the ceremony came to an end, the organisers and guests praised the finalists for their outstanding performance and encouraged them to continue developing their skills. Many students in attendance said the event inspired them to think more deeply about national development and consider careers in fields related to public policy, economics, and governance.
Ojo, the convener, said he hoped the competition would grow in size and impact in future years. He expressed gratitude to the FIRS and other partners who supported the event and promised to continue creating opportunities for Nigerian students to showcase their talents.
The 2025 National Essay Competition not only celebrated academic excellence but also highlighted the important role of young people in shaping Nigeria’s future. With issues such as tax reform playing a major role in the country’s economic direction, the contest provided a platform for fresh ideas and thoughtful analysis.
As the winners posed for photographs and accepted their awards, there was a clear sense that the competition had succeeded in its goal—to recognise young Nigerians who are ready to think critically, challenge old ideas, and contribute to a brighter national future.
