Applications for the annual CIPM Essay Competition for University and Polytechnic Undergraduates have begun.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) Annual Essay Competition will award selected essay entries with cash prizes worth ₦750,000, HRM books, and free access to a myriad of employers.

Winners are also offered free student registration access and an all-expense-paid round-trip to Abuja for the CIPM 2026 International Conference & Exhibitions.

CIPM Essay Competition 2026 Topic

“Are Nigerian Tertiary Institutions Truly Preparing Students for the World of Work?”

Requirements:

To be considered for the 2026 CIPM Essay Competition, you must note the following:

  • Be an undergraduate student of Nigerian tertiary institution (university or polytechnics)
  • Essay must be original, empirical and of local and international journal standard.
  • The length of the essay must not exceed 3000 words with proper referencing using the APA style of referencing.
  • The font type must be Times New Roman in 12 points font size.
  • All entries should be typed in double line spacing, using MS word ONLY.
  • Plagiarism in all forms is prohibited and will attract outright disqualification of indicted entries.

Benefits

  • 1st Prize – ₦300,000 & 2 HRM books
  • 2nd Prize ₦250,000 & 2 HRM books
  • 3rd Prize – ₦200,000 & 2 HRM books
  • Access to a network of employers for all winners
  • 4 Free registration as student members of CIPM
  • CIPM (for non-members) for all prize winners.
  • All-expense paid trip to Abuja for CIPM 2026 International Conference & Exhibition

Required Documents for CIPM Essay Competition for Undergraduates

All entries must be submitted with the underlisted items:

  • ID Card from student’s current institution
  • Copy of admission letter to student’s current institution
  • One recent passport sized photograph
  • Current mobile telephone number and e-mail address.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified applicants should scan and send the underlisted documents  along with the essay write-up as a single document to: essaycompetition@cipmnigeria.org

Note

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
  • Past winners are not eligible to participate
  • For more enquiries: Call “Charity” on: 0817 658 2368 Or Email: essaycompetition@cipmnigeria.org

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026