Competition Overview
1. What is the topic for the 2026 CDEC?
The topic for this year is – “Achieving a Safer and more Effective Transportation System in Nigeria through Information Technology”.
2. Is the competition free?
Yes, the competition is free for all participants. Children between the ages of 9 to 16 are eligible to write and submit their essays.
3. Do I need to be pre-registered for the competition?
No. Pre-registration is not required to participate. Participants should proceed to write on the topic and submit only via the submission portal.
Eligibility
4. Is the participation category age-based or class-based?
Participation is age-based. You fall into the junior category if you are between 9-12 years old and the senior category if you are between 13-16 years old.
5. Am I qualified if I turn 9 or 17 this year?
Ages 9 to 12 are qualified for the junior category, while ages 13 to 16 are qualified for the senior category. You are not to be younger than 9 or older than 16 at the competition’s opening date.
6. Can I participate as a Nigerian living/schooling outside Nigeria?
No. You must be a student living and schooling in Nigeria to be eligible for participation.
7. Can I participate again if I was one of the honour roll (top 10) winners in previous editions?
You cannot participate in a category if you were a previous winner (1st to 10th) in the same. Only past winners from the junior category can participate if they now fall into the senior category, i.e. 13-16 years- old.
8. Can I participate again if I was NOT one of the honour roll (top 10) winners in previous editions?
Yes, if you meet the age eligibility.
Essay Requirements
9. Is the essay to be submitted handwritten, as an image, or typed?
The essay should be submitted as a typed soft copy only. It should be written in Microsoft Word; Font size – 12; Font Type – Georgia, Arial, or Calibri. Essays must be submitted only by pasting typed text into the submission portal. Images or scanned copies will not be accepted.
10. What is the required word count, and am I permitted to consult online sources?
The junior category allows a maximum of 1,000 words, while the senior category allows a maximum of 1,500 words. Participants may consult online sources, but submissions must be original and should reflect clear understanding, depth of research, and personal insights.
11. Is the reference part of the word count, and how do I submit references?
No. References provided by participants will NOT form part of the word count. The references should be copied and pasted into the section provided during submission. Also, references (where they exist) should be in APA style. Kindly index the reference sources to the referenced sentences and label them in the reference section accordingly.
Submission Rules
12. Can I submit my essay myself as a participant?
No. Submission should only be made by an endorser – a school teacher or administrator, parent, or guardian. Parents/Schools are advised to preview the essay before final submission.
13. Can one email address be used to submit essays for multiple students?
Yes. An endorser may submit essays for multiple students using the same email address.
14. Can a parent/guardian endorse more than one child?
Yes, an endorser can submit essays for more than one child.
15. Can I submit my essay via email?
No. Email submissions will be disqualified. All essays must be submitted by pasting the text directly into the designated space on the submission portal: http://www.systemspecs.com.ng/2026essay.
16. How do I submit my essay?
Visit the competition www.systemspecs.com.ng/2026essay click on “Submit Essay”, fill in the fields, copy and paste your essay, and submit.
17. Can I provide my personal details at the point of submission?
Participants’ data should be entered at the point of submission. Do not include such information in the essay document.
18. How do I know that my essay submission is successful?
You will receive an email confirming that the submission was successful. The email contains your essay ID (i.e SCDEC1000)
Errors & Withdrawal
19. What happens if I submit twice?
Double submission or entry will lead to automatic disqualification. Please ensure you have a stable network before you submit your entry.
20. I made a mistake while submitting the age and other details on the portal. Can I still make changes after submission?
You are allowed to re-submit only ONCE. To re-submit, please send an email of appeal to [email protected] stating the essay ID (i.e SCDEC1000), and why you wish to substitute your earlier submitted essay . It is only after this is approved that you can re-submit. Approval is at the discretion of the organisers and not mandatory.
21. Is the essay competition virtual or onsite?
Submission for the essay competition is only virtual via the portal www.systemspecs.com.ng/2026essay while the award ceremony will be a hybrid event (physical and online).
22. What are the terms and conditions?
The terms and conditions are stated on the competition portal. Visit https://systemspecs.com.ng/terms-conditions/ to read more.
For enquiries, email – [email protected]
To keep up to date with all updates on the Competition, follow @SystemSpecsNig on X, Instagram, and SystemSpecs on Facebook.
