A student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Esobavanwan David, has emerged as the winner of the 2026 BOF National Essay Competition, following an outstanding performance in the nationwide contest focused on advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, Good Health and Well-being.
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The competition, organised by the education-initiative/">BOF Foundation in partnership with the Nigeria Medical Students’ Association Standing Committee on Public Health (NiMSA-SCOPH), culminated in an award ceremony that brought together medical students, healthcare professionals, academics, and other stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The 2026 edition challenged participants to write on the theme, “SDG 3 and the Future of Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria: Can We Make It a Reality by 2030?” Contestants were required to assess Nigeria’s progress toward achieving the global health goal while proposing practical, evidence-based solutions to improve maternal and child healthcare over the coming years.
At the end of the competition, Esobavanwan David of the University of Benin claimed first place, while Godswill Uzoechina of the University of Nigeria finished second. Israel Feranmi of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) secured third place. The winners were recognised for the originality of their research, quality of analysis, and innovative policy recommendations for addressing maternal and child health challenges in Nigeria.
Speaking during the event, Founder of the BOF Foundation, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening healthcare through education, mentorship, and youth development. He announced that the essay competition would become an annual event beginning in 2027, with future editions expanded to include separate categories on Health Policy and Health Technology.
Earlier, Confidence Osaro-Chikere welcomed participants and highlighted the need to equip young healthcare professionals with leadership, research, and policy development skills capable of transforming Nigeria’s health sector. The programme also featured opening remarks by the event moderator and Editor-in-Chief, Marvelous Obi-Ochulor, who emphasised the importance of academic engagement in advancing sustainable healthcare solutions.
Organisers also unveiled the panel of judges for the 2027 competition, which will include Dr. Aramide Kolawole, Dr. Ushakuma Anenga, Dr. Edesiri Ighorodje, Dr. Danbuba Umar and Mr. Awala Bemigho. The panel is expected to assess entries across the newly introduced categories as the competition expands its scope.
Participants and stakeholders commended the initiative for promoting research, critical thinking, and evidence-based solutions among Nigerian medical students, describing the competition as a valuable platform for nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders committed to improving public health outcomes in the country.
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