In a heartfelt display of commitment to youth empowerment and technological excellence, Nigerian fintech powerhouse SystemSpecs recently hosted the award ceremony for its annual Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC)—an initiative designed to spark interest in technology among teenagers. The event celebrated finalists whose essays thoughtfully explored how technology can be used to drive positive societal impact.
This year’s edition stood out not just for the quality of submissions, but also for the sheer scale. The competition drew over 5,000 entries, reflecting a robust 33% uptick in participation compared to the previous year. Many participants came from diverse backgrounds, including public schools, orphanages, and children with special needs—underscoring SystemSpecs’ inclusive reach.
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Building Skills, Confidence, and Vision
At the award ceremony, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman of SystemSpecs Holdings Ltd, shared the deeper purpose behind CDEC: nurturing young Nigerians who can think critically, act boldly, and use innovation as a force for good. “This is not just about essays. It’s about preparing tomorrow’s leaders to face real-world challenges with creativity and resolve,” he said.
Finalists were not only celebrated but also generously rewarded. The top prize—awarded in both junior and senior categories—included:
- ₦1,000,000 in cash
- A brand‑new laptop
- An annual internet subscription and various educational tools
Second and third-place winners received ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 respectively, along with similar tech and educational rewards. Winning schools were also acknowledged—Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, and Abesan Comprehensive Junior College, Lagos, each received additional laptops.
Voices of Impact: Winners Share Their Journeys
Among the most inspiring moments were the raw, personal reflections from the winners themselves. In the junior category, Adeomi Adesewa—who rewrote her essay multiple times—described the journey as “transformational,” adding that she “now knows that my words have power.” The senior winner, Okeke Chukwudumebi Daniel, reflected on the experience as a wake‑up call: “The future does not wait; I must aim even higher to contribute meaningfully.”
Another notable highlight: female students constituted 61% of the overall entries—a strong indicator of rising gender parity in STEM education across Nigeria. In several states, girls made up over 90% of submissions, reflecting growing empowerment and opportunity.
Setting the Stage for Youth Leadership
SystemSpecs’ Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mrs. Bukola Adeboye, reaffirmed the broader mission behind CDEC: empowering young people to become active, engaged citizens, harnessing technology for national progress. She emphasised that the children involved are not just holders of a promise—they are already shaping the future.
Following the announcement phase, the finalists joined hybrid events featuring panel discussions led by youth technologists and a keynote address from Oladiwura Oladepo, Executive Director of Tech4Dev. Sessions tackled the roles of peers, parents, and educators in nurturing innovation and civic awareness. The gathering was livestreamed globally, bridging experiences between young tech‑enthusiasts and support networks across borders.
Why This Matters: Beyond Awards
- Mass participation shows early tech interest rising in youth communities.
- Financial and digital rewards help bridge educational and resource gaps.
- Gender-balanced engagement promotes inclusive innovation.
- Deep, thematic prompts motivate students to reflect on technology as a civic tool.
- Hybrid events expand the initiative’s reach and impact beyond physical spaces.
Looking Ahead: A Tech‑Forward Future
SystemSpecs has confirmed that the virtual Award Ceremony is scheduled for June 27, 2025, offering participants, educators, and tech enthusiasts a chance to witness and contribute to the dialogue on technology, nation‑building, and youth leadership. The company’s ongoing investment in human capital underscores its belief in young Nigerians as architects of a progressive, digitally resilient future.
By weaving opportunity with responsibility, SystemSpecs continues to position CDEC as more than a competition—it is a platform where ideas merge with action, and where teenagers are recognised as innovators, thinkers, and agents of change.
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