CIPM Opens 2026 Annual Essay Competition for Nigerian Undergraduates; The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has announced the commencement of entries for its 2026 Annual Essay Competition.
The competition is open to undergraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions and is designed to encourage critical thinking on whether higher education adequately prepares graduates for the world of work.
CIPM 2026 Essay Competition Topic
The official essay topic for the 2026 edition is:
“Are Nigerian Tertiary Institutions Truly Preparing Students for the World of Work?”
Participants are expected to present clear arguments, supported with proper referencing and a strong understanding of the subject matter.
Who Can Enter
Eligibility is strictly limited to:
- Undergraduate students currently enrolled in Nigerian tertiary institutions
Important notes:
- Past winners are not eligible to participate again
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Applicants must ensure accurate personal details during submission
Essay Guidelines
All entries must comply with the following requirements:
- Maximum length: 3,000 words
- Referencing style: APA 7th Edition
- Font: Times New Roman
- Font size: 12
- Line spacing: Double spacing
- File format: Microsoft Word document only
- Plagiarism: Strictly prohibited and will lead to disqualification
CIPM emphasised that failure to follow the guidelines may lead to automatic disqualification.
Prizes for Winners
The competition offers cash rewards and professional development opportunities.
| Position | Reward |
|---|---|
| 1st Prize | ₦300,000 + 2 HRM books |
| 2nd Prize | ₦250,000 + 2 HRM books |
| 3rd Prize | ₦200,000 + 2 HRM books |
Additional benefits for winners include:
- Access to a network of employers
- Free student membership registration (for non-members)
- All-expense-paid trip to Abuja for the CIPM 2026 International Conference & Exhibitions
Documents Needed for Submission
Applicants are required to include the following documents alongside their essay:
- Valid student ID card
- Admission letter from current institution
- Recent passport photograph
- Valid mobile phone number
- Email address
All documents must be scanned and combined with the essay into a single Microsoft Word document.
How to Submit Entries
Completed entries should be sent via email to:
Applicants must ensure that the essay and all required documents are included in one complete file before submission.
Deadline
The deadline for submission is Friday, 31 July 2026.
Students are advised to prepare their essays early and submit before the closing date.
Enquiries
For further information, applicants can contact CIPM via:
- 08160380205
- 07025709873
essaycompetition@cipmnigeria.org
