Scholars Cup Challenge 2026 - Abuja Edition
Scholars Cup Challenge is a prestigious essay and inter-school debate competition that aims to ignite critical thinking, creativity, and leadership among secondary school students across Nigeria. Hosted by Lancaster University Ghana, this platform empowers students to explore pressing African and global issues through research, writing, and debate, while gaining recognition from one of West Africa’s top British universities.
Whether you’re a gifted writer, an articulate speaker, or a bold thinker, Scholars Cup Challenge will amplify your ideas and showcase your voice to the world.
2026 Debate Theme: Youth Economy
Nigeria’s youth represent both its greatest asset and one of its most urgent opportunities. As the world of work evolves, the future demands bold thinking, digital skills, creativity and entrepreneurial mindsets.
The Youth Economy is about empowering young people to create value, solve problems and shape the future, not simply seek employment.
The 2026 Scholar’s Cup Challenge invites students to develop innovative, scalable and sustainable solutions to real-world challenges, harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s youth to drive inclusive growth and create lasting impact.
Scholars Cup Challenge 2026 Essay Competition & Debate Qualifiers
Competition Structure
The Essay Competition is the official gateway to the prestigious Scholars Cup Challenge 2026 Interschool Debate. It is designed to test creativity, critical thinking, and argumentation skills while giving only the best schools the chance to advance.
How It Works
Debate Format: Knockout rounds with time-bound speeches and rebuttals
Essay Topics
Essay 1
Essay 2
Competition Timeline
Competition Guidelines
- Open to all high schools in Abuja and the surrounding regions.
- No entry fee.
- Each school must register 4 students (2 for debate, 2 for essay) from Grade 11 or 12.
- Each school must nominate a supervisor to liaise with Lancaster University Ghana.
- Confirmation of student names should be emailed. Email to be provided soon
- Registration closes at 5:00 PM on September 12, 2026.
- Essay and debate guidelines will be released on the competition website as scheduled.
- All entries must be submitted via the official submission link shared when topics are released.
- Refer to the marking rubric for scoring details and feedback process.
- Certificates will only be issued to the participating schools. Teams that only register and do not participate in the writing of the essay will not be awarded certificates.
- All answers must be submitted to the link provided; the submission link will be active as soon as the case studies are released.
- Case studies will be rated, and feedback will be given online. Please refer to the marking rubric for more information about markings.
- Teams will be awarded points according to the set criteria.
Leaderboard
Scoring Panel & Judging
- All scores will return to zero on the day of the finale.
- The school with the highest score will be awarded first place, and subsequent schools will earn first and second runner–up positions.
- The winning team/participant will win a prize to reward their business excellence.
Prize and award
Sponsors & Partners
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Submit Entries/Enquiries:
Competition Enquiries
For more information or for enquiries, please contact us:
Call: +234 708 645 0531
Email: [email protected]
Let Your Voice Shape Africa’s Future!