Coal City University (CCU) Annual Essay Contest for Students 2024: (Deadline 6 May 2024)

Coal City University Chancellors’ annual essay contest is organized to encourage students develop their writing skills, build confidence, and showcase their creativity. It helps to increase awareness of current global issues among the young population. It aims to encourage and awaken the young mind’s initiative and capacity for creative thoughts toward sustainable development. In addition, the essay contest also seeks to get society to learn from the students and to recognize that it is our collective responsibility to address these issues.

Theme: SOCIAL MEDIA

In today’s interconnected world, social media has emerged as a powerful force shaping the lives of young people everywhere. All around the globe, youths are navigating the complex landscape of social media, where virtual connections transcend geographical boundaries and digital interactions carry profound implications for their identities, relationships, and futures. As you embark on this journey of exploration and introspection, we invite you to delve into the multifaceted impact of social media on youths; a topic that resonates not only within our communities but also across the global stage. Together, let us unravel the complexities, confront the challenges, and envision the possibilities of social media’s influence on the vibrant tapestry of Nigerian youth culture.

About Coal City University (CCU)

Coal City University (CCU) in Enugu State of Nigeria is a not-for-profit private university established in 2016. The University is a globally focused and fast-rising university in Nigeria. The University aspires to be a world-class centre of learning and research that will produce well-rounded, entrepreneurial, and globally employable graduates.

Annual Essay Contest

Aim and Benefits of Annual Essay Contest

To encourage participation and reward excellence, the proposed prizes would be awarded:

• First Prize: 500,000 naira or Full tuition fee scholarship in Coal City University for any choice of course and a Certificate of Achievement
• Second Prize: 250,000 naira and a Certificate of Achievement
• Third Prize: 150,000 naira and a Certificate of Achievement
• All Shortlisted Students: Consolation prizes and a Certificate of Participation
• Other Awards (Best School Award, School Incentive Award) will be given if applicable.

Requirements for Annual Essay Contest Qualification

• Any student in Senior Secondary School (SS1-SS3) who registers for the contest may submit an essay.
• The essay’s length should be between 700-1000 words, and the title of the essay and the author’s name should be typed at the top of the first page (these are not included in the word count limit).
• The essay should be in British English.
• Participants should submit their registration and entry online via the University’s website, ccu.edu.ng. Only one entry per person will be accepted.
• Submissions must be original, and plagiarised essays will be rejected.
• Co-authored essays will not be accepted.
• The organizers would be assigned the copyright of the entered essays.
• The deadline for submission is May 6, 2024 (11:59 pm WAT), and participants must strictly adhere to it.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Annual Essay Contest

The essay contest selection procedure will be as follows:

• Registration: Interested students will register for the contest by filling out a registration form, which will be available on the school’s website (www.ccu.edu.ng). The registration form will include the student’s name, school, grade level, contact information, and a confirmation that they have read and understood the guidelines.
• Submission: Students will be required to submit their essays via the school’s website (www.ccu.edu.ng) by the deadline for submission, May 6, 2024.
• Judging: The essays will be judged by a panel of judges who will evaluate the submissions based on the criteria outlined above. The judges will consist of a team of Professionals who will evaluate the essays anonymously. All submissions will be given equal consideration.
• Shortlisting: The judges will shortlist the top 20 essays based on their quality, relevance, originality, and coherence. These essays will be ranked based on their scores, and the top 20 essays will be selected for the second round of the competition.
• Invitation: The top 20 essay finalists will be invited to make an oral presentation or discuss their essays in front of the judges and a selected audience, which may include stakeholders, scholars, principals, parents, teachers, and fellow students. The second round of selection involving oral presentations provides an opportunity for finalists to showcase their writing skills and ability to communicate effectively.
• Guidelines: Guidelines will be provided to the finalists regarding the presentation format and duration, as well as any materials they may require.
• Evaluation: The judges will evaluate the oral presentations based on the same criteria used in the previous rounds of selection. The finalists will be judged on their ability to communicate their ideas, engage the audience, and respond to questions, which provides a more comprehensive assessment of their overall abilities.
• Final Ranking: The final ranking will be determined based on the combined scores from the previous round of selection and the oral presentation. The essay with the highest score will be declared the winner of the contest, and the second and third places will also be awarded.
• Award Ceremony: The winners will be announced during the award ceremony, and they will receive their prizes in the presence of stakeholders, scholars, principals, parents, teachers, and fellow students. The award ceremony is proposed to hold at the University Auditorium, on July 24, 2024.

Notification of Shortlisted Students: The students will be notified by email and/or SMS. The names of the winners may also be published on the school’s website and social media platforms by June 12, 2024.

Application Deadline

May 6, 2024

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Coal City University (CCU) on ccu.edu.ng to applyEssay Topic: “Social Media As a Double-Edged Sword”

Essay Prompt:

In an era defined by hashtags, likes, and viral trends, youths find themselves at the crossroads of opportunity and adversity in the digital realm of social media. As a senior secondary school student navigating this dynamic landscape, reflect on the following questions in your essay:

1. How does social media influence the construction of your identity and the expression of your individuality? Explore how social media platforms shape your perceptions of self, aspirations, and sense of belonging within Nigerian society.
2. How do social media platforms impact your relationships with peers, family, and loved ones in a world where friendships are forged through screens and love stories? Reflect on the strengths and limitations of digital connections in fostering meaningful interpersonal bonds.
3. Amid the curated perfection of Instagram feeds and the relentless scroll of TikTok videos, how do you navigate the pressures and pitfalls of social media on your mental health? Share your experiences with comparison culture, cyberbullying, and the quest for validation in the digital age.
4. As agents of change in Nigeria’s evolving socio-political landscape, how does social media empower you to amplify your voice, advocate for social justice, and mobilize your peers for collective action? Consider the role of digital activism in driving positive social change and challenging entrenched power structures.
5. What ethical considerations and digital literacy skills are essential for responsible social media use? Discuss strategies for fostering critical thinking, empathy, and online civility amidst the proliferation of misinformation and online toxicity.

In your essay, draw upon personal anecdotes, scholarly research, and cultural insights to deepen your understanding of the topic. Embrace your unique perspective, challenge prevailing narratives, and envision a future where social media catalyzes positive transformation in Nigerian society.

The purpose of this essay is to raise awareness about the positive and negative impacts of Social Media on Nigerian youths. We want you as you write this essay, to take time to deeply reflect on your points, internalize the material, and be prepared to share your findings with peers. If your essay is selected for an award, you may be invited to the award ceremony where you will present and discuss it.

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