The Louis Awode Foundation has organised an inter-class essay competition on artificial intelligence for students of Sacred Heart Catholic College in Ogun State as part of the school’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

The contest, themed ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education in Nigeria,’ drew more than 100 entries from students in both junior and senior secondary classes.
The initiative was designed to stimulate critical thinking, reward academic excellence and expose young Nigerians to the expanding role of AI in education and society.

Speaking on the initiative, Louis Awode, founder of the Louis Awode Foundation and vice president international of the college’s Alumni Association, said the programme reflected the foundation’s commitment to preparing young Nigerians for a technology-driven future.

“It is a great honour to give back to my alma mater. Everyone knows how passionate we are as a foundation about education and the need to educate the new generation about Artificial Intelligence, which is taking over the world’s discussion,” he said.

Students were given one week to submit essays. A panel of judges selected the three best entries, with winners recognized for their analysis of how emerging technologies could shape learning in Nigeria.

The overall winner received N100,000 and a plaque, while the first and second runners-up received N50,000 and N30,000 respectively, alongside plaques. Outstanding essays will also be published in national newspapers to give the students wider exposure.

The awards were presented by Olaoluwa Awode, on behalf of the Louis Awode Foundation during the college’s valedictory ceremony for graduating students. The event also featured an interactive session on artificial intelligence, technology-driven careers, leadership, innovation and digital opportunities.

Daniel Ilori of SS2 emerged overall winner, while Adesina Joy Oluwatobiloba of JSS3 Yellow finished as first runner-up. Promise Moyosoreoluwa Ogunsanya of SS1 was named second runner-up.

In his winning essay, Ilori described artificial intelligence as a transformative technology with enormous potential to improve learning, while warning against excessive dependence on digital tools.

“Artificial Intelligence has made Nigerian students lazy, overreliant and severely brain-drained. They use the artificial intelligence tools up to the point where they have no more enthusiasm in research culture, invention or creation,” he wrote.

Despite the concerns, Ilori argued that AI could become a catalyst for national development if deployed responsibly within the education sector, saying its proper adoption would produce a generation of innovative and efficient leaders.

First runner-up Adesina Joy Oluwatobiloba envisioned a future in which AI-powered platforms such as ChatGPT and Khan Academy would make quality education more accessible across Nigeria, particularly in underserved communities.

“Many students in villages do not have enough teachers and have limited learning resources. AI-powered online learning platforms can help bridge the gap by providing quality access to education through the internet,” she wrote.

She added that the adoption of AI could help transform Nigeria’s education system into a modern, innovative and globally competitive sector.

Second runner-up Promise Moyosoreoluwa Ogunsanya highlighted AI’s potential to reduce educational inequality by expanding learning opportunities for children in rural communities.

“With the help of AI, children from rural areas can learn equally with students in Lagos or Abuja. Because of a lack of teachers, that does not stop students from acquiring knowledge,” she stated.

She also urged the government to invest in stable electricity, teacher training and AI education, stressing that artificial intelligence should complement rather than replace classroom teachers.

Jude Okoye, a reverend father and the principal of Sacred Heart Catholic College, commended the Louis Awode Foundation for supporting the institution’s educational mission.

“The college management sincerely appreciates the Louis Awode Foundation for partnering with us in the education of the young ones.” “The essay competition and the subsequent awards will go a long way towards motivating and encouraging the students in their quest for academic excellence.”