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Kemi Azubike: A 13-Year-Old’s Journey into Tech Awareness Through the Children’s Day Essay Competition

 

 

 

 

Kemi Azubike: A 13-Year-Old’s Journey into Tech Awareness Through the Children’s Day Essay Competition

When 13-year-old Kemi Azubike entered the SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC) in 2024, it wasn’t entirely her idea. She was nudged into it by a familiar force – her mother.

Essay competitions were a routine part of her life, but this one turned out to be different. It wasn’t just about writing; it was about research, creativity, and exploring technology’s impact in a way that was both insightful and fun. Through CDEC, Kemi not only discovered the power of technology but also found a way to communicate big ideas in a way that resonates.

“My name is Kemi Azubike, and I’m 13 years old. I participated in SystemSpecs in 2024. I joined mainly because of my mom. She usually signs me up for essay competitions, and last year was no different.”

 “What was different about this one, though, was that it had to do with a lot of research, but I was able to balance it out with a lot of fun. For instance, I got to mention my friends as an example and even quote Uncle Ben from Spider-Man. I was able to use both a scientific kind of perspective and mash it with my unique voice and references from my own life. Like the mention of Duolingo.”

 “You know how you unconsciously learn something from an experience? It was kinda the same for me. After some digging, though, I found out that this was one of the essays where a lot of my personal voice was displayed but was still factual. I now use this skill a lot. Mixing facts and fiction in a factual way. And it’s a lot more fun to write essays now. I get to mess around, and you get facts. Cold, hard facts. Laced in fun. That’s also what I liked about participating. I got to think outside the box yet stay on the ground.”

 For her, the competition was a lesson in technology’s role in shaping the future. As someone who aspires to be a research psychologist, she understands that technology will be integral to her future work – especially in managing data and statistics.

“I want to be a research psychologist in the future. That means I’ll probably have to do a lot of statistics. To do that, I’ll probably need technology to keep things sweet and accurate. SystemSpecs has helped me understand that it’s quite easy to misuse technology and that we should try to use it as well as we can. Tech has a lot of potential. We just need to develop it.”

This awareness is particularly relevant to the 2025 edition of CDEC, where participants will explore the topic ‘How I Would Use Technology to Mobilise My Peers for a Greater Nigeria.’

Technology has become a powerful tool for social change, and this year’s competition challenges young minds to think beyond personal use and consider how tech can bring people together, drive awareness, and inspire action for national development.

The goal? To inspire young minds to see technology as a tool for social change and collective impact. As an indigenous technology company, SystemSpecs believes in not only developing innovative solutions but also nurturing the next generation of tech-driven thinkers.

The competition is open to all students in primary and secondary schools across Nigeria, and it’s completely free to participate. Schools are encouraged to submit as many entries as possible – not just a few students but entire classrooms – because the benefits extend far beyond winning. Participation exposes students to research, critical thinking, and innovation, helping to shape well-rounded individuals prepared for a future where technology is integral to success.

Beyond individual recognition, CDEC also rewards schools that actively participate. The winning schools in the Junior and Senior categories will receive 10 laptops, reinforcing SystemSpecs’ commitment to education and technology empowerment.

Kemi placed 6th in the 2024 edition, making her a CDEC Honour roll awardee.  The recognition from her school, the thrill of being on the honour roll, and the skills she gained were all part of an unforgettable experience.

“I got a hoodie and a medal, and my school recognized me for being a good writer. 6th place, by the way. Shy of the Top 5. But that’s fine; being called up on the honour roll was a ride”

As a young, ambitious Nigerian girl who is already familiar with concepts such as the responsible technology use, data accuracy, and the power of storytelling, Kemi embodies the core vision of CDEC: fostering critical thinkers, future tech leaders, and innovative problem-solvers. With the right encouragement, exposure, and opportunities, promising talents like her are poised to shape Nigeria’s technological future and make a lasting impact. Her message to the 2025 participants is simple yet profound:

“Try to think once in a while. And have fun! It’s going to be a chore if it’s not fun. Try hard, and your name will (probably) be on there.”

The 2025 edition of CDEC is still open! Students across Nigeria are encouraged to participate for invaluable exposure to research, innovation, and a deeper understanding of technology’s role in society.

Visit www.systemspecs.com.ng/2025essay to learn more and submit your entry. The deadline on April 11, 2025 is fast approaching. Hurry!