Ogun student wins national essay contest

The Ajoke Aishat Afolabi Foundation celebrated educational achievement by awarding winners of its 11th National Essay Competition, held in commemoration of the 2026 Children’s Day. Sharon Iwala, a 15-year-old student from Majesty Height Model College in Ota, Ogun State, emerged as the overall winner.

The competition, themed “Building Character Versus Causing Trauma: Strategies for Effective Discipline in Schools,” saw 15 finalists present their arguments before the winners were announced. Iwala secured the top position, with Anuoluwapo Mudasir and Oluwatoyosi Adeleye taking the first and second runner-up spots, respectively. The overall winner received a laptop and other gifts, while her school was awarded a projector.

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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.

Mrs. Foluke Ademokun, the Executive Coordinator of the foundation, explained that the organization, founded in 2008, focuses on poverty alleviation, educational support, and socioeconomic empowerment. She noted that the foundation has impacted over 100,000 Nigerians through various interventions.

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We choose topics based on pressing national issues. We have previously explored the environment, governance, corruption and examination malpractice.

Ademokun emphasized that the essay competition encourages students to engage with critical 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," she said. "This year, we focused on achieving effective discipline in schools. We want students’ voices in that discussion."

Stakeholders, including representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and various educational bodies, commended the foundation for its investment in human capital development and the promotion of quality education. The competition remains free and open to secondary school students across Nigeria.

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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.