Scholars Cup Challenge 2025
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.
2025 Debate Theme: The Digital Pulse
The theme Digital Pulse explores the continuous and rapid advancement of digital technologies and their pervasive impact on Nigerian society. It delves into how mobile connectivity, the internet, social media, and digital services are transforming everyday experiences, creating new economic avenues, and redefining social norms. At the same time, it addresses critical issues such as cybersecurity, digital inequality, data privacy, and the need for sustainable digital infrastructure
Scholars Cup Challenge 2025 Essay Competition & Debate Qualifiers
Competition Structure
The Essay Competition is the official gateway to the prestigious Scholars Cup Challenge 2025 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
Date | Activity |
Sept 5 – Sept 26 | Registration Open |
Sept 29 | Essay Topic 1 Released |
Oct 3 | Deadline for Round 1 Essay Submission |
Oct 10 | Essay Round 1 Results & Essay Round 2 Release |
Oct 16 | Deadline for Round 2 Essay Submission |
Oct 24 | Essay Round 2 Results, Debate Qualifiers Announced & Debate Topics Released |
Oct 29 – Nov 6 | Debate Coaching & Preparation |
Nov 7 | Live Interschool Debate & Award Ceremony |
Competition Guidelines
- Open to all high schools in Lagos 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 to: [email protected]
- Registration closes at 5:00 PM on September 26, 2025.
- 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
Register Now:
Submit Entries/Enquiries:
Competition Enquiries
For more information or for enquiries, please contact us:
Call: +2347032415221, 09116477303
Email: [email protected]
Let Your Voice Shape Africa’s Future!