This year’s edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) Programme has announced the 90 finalists of the WSICE 2024 Essay Competition, a prestigious event celebrating the exceptional writing talents of senior secondary school students from across Nigeria.
This year, students were invited to explore the theme “The Many Lives of an Irrepressible Patriot, Humanist & Rights Activist,” and the finalists have risen to the challenge with creativity and insightful perspectives.
These young scholars have demonstrated remarkable writing prowess, standing out from a multitude of submissions. Their dedication to scholarly inquiry and intellectual engagement is evident in their essays, which were meticulously evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges renowned in their respective fields. The rigorous selection process focused on originality, coherence, depth of analysis and relevance to the theme.
While all finalists have distinguished themselves through their exceptional work, the panel continues to review the essays to determine the top three entries. This thorough examination ensures that the most outstanding contributions are rightfully recognised and celebrated.
Each finalist’s essay not only highlights their individual talent but also enriches the broader discourse on the theme. Their fresh insights and thought-provoking arguments promise to inspire readers and stimulate further dialogue on the subjects of patriotism, humanism, and activism.
In keeping with the tradition of the WSICE programme, scholarship prizes totaling over N10 million will be awarded to the participants. Dr. Teju Kareem, the executive producer of WSICE, has proudly upheld this tradition for the past 15 years.
According to the organisers, “As we progress with the essays, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating the achievements of these young scholars. Their commitment to academic excellence and their ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity are commendable. Through their essays, they embody WSICE’s mission to foster intellectual growth and promote cultural exchange.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each finalist, their schools, and mentors for their invaluable support. We look forward to sharing these outstanding essays with a wider audience and nurturing the next generation of thought leaders and changemakers in Nigeria and beyond”.