SystemSpecs, through its annual Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC), is actively reshaping narratives and leveraging the transformative power of technology to empower young people. The initiative provides a vital platform for Nigerian youth to engage critically and creatively with technology, fostering leadership, resilience, and a vision for positive change.
The profound impact of CDEC was demonstrated at the 2025 CDEC National Awards Ceremony, hosted virtually by SystemSpecs on Friday, June 27, 2025. The event celebrated Nigeria’s brightest young minds who dared to imagine a “Greater Nigeria” by using technology to mobilise and inspire their peers. This underscores SystemSpecs’ unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of visionary leaders.
Now in its sixth year, the competition has evolved into a national movement, inspiring critical thinking, leadership abilities, and a strong sense of patriotism among young Nigerians. This year alone, it attracted approximately 5,000 essay submissions from children aged 9 to 16 across all six geopolitical zones, marking a significant 33 per cent increase in participation compared to 2024.
The CDEC is more than just a competition; it’s a testament to the belief that empowered youth can shape their futures. As Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman of SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, eloquently stated, “What we celebrate today is not just talent but courage. The courage to speak up, think deeply, and believe in the power of innovation.”
This sentiment was echoed by the young winners themselves. Adeomi Adesewa, the junior category winner, described the experience as “deeply transformational”. She shared, “This competition showed me that what I write and imagine can truly matter. Even when I had to rewrite my essay many times, I never gave up. I now know that my words have power, and I want to use them to change my world.”
Similarly, senior category winner Okeke Chukwudumebi Daniel reflected, “CDEC made me realise that the future does not wait for us; we step into it.” He added that the award “has taught me that when you are bold with your ideas and consistent with your efforts, doors will open. It has inspired me to aim higher and do more.”
Their inspiring stories, alongside those of other participants like child actress and storyteller Darasimi Nadi, young software engineer Joshua Agoola, and CDEC alumnus Toluwase Shoniran (now a university student and machine learning developer), serve as “living proof of the long-term impact CDEC can have on young minds.”
SystemSpecs’ unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through technology is central to CDEC’s success. Mrs. Bukola Adeboye, Executive Director, Corporate Services at SystemSpecs, reaffirmed the company’s dedication: “The goal of the CDEC has always been clear: to inspire, identify, and elevate the next generation of thinkers and problem solvers by promoting digital creativity, purposeful education, and structured engagement. Our dedication remains unwavering as we continue to equip and empower young Nigerian minds to thrive through innovation.”
This dedication is evident in the competition’s impressive breadth and diversity. The top 50 finalists showcased exceptional talent from all six geopolitical zones. Notably, girls accounted for 61 per cent of submissions, underscoring the competition’s role in empowering young female voices nationwide, with several states recording female participation exceeding 90 per cent. The competition also extended its reach to entries from orphanages and children with special needs, reinforcing SystemSpecs’ commitment to fostering inclusive opportunities for all young Nigerians.
The impact of CDEC extends beyond individual recognition through significant awards. Winners in both categories received N1,000,000 each, along with laptops, a one-year internet subscription, and educational resources. Second and third-place winners received N750,000 and N500,000, respectively, along with laptops and additional prizes.
Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, and Abesan Comprehensive Junior College, Lagos, were named the winning schools in the Senior and Junior categories, respectively. Each winning school received 10 laptops to support ICT training as part of SystemSpecs’ broader initiative to build ICT capacity among Nigerian youth.
Furthermore, twelve states recorded more than 100 per cent growth in submissions compared to the previous year, with over 15 schools submitting 20 or more entries, reflecting increased institutional and public sector involvement.
As DeRemi Atanda, managing director of Remita Payment Services Limited, aptly noted, “We see education not just as a tool, but as a launchpad for national transformation. CDEC is helping to build the intellectual and emotional capacity of young Nigerians to take ownership of the future.”
