The International Law Students’ Association, University of Ibadan (ILSA UI), has announced its maiden essay competition for tertiary students in Nigeria. Learn about the theme, eligibility, prizes, deadlines, and how to submit your entry for the ILSA UI Essay Competition 2025.
Introduction
In a remarkable step towards promoting intellectual development and academic excellence among Nigerian students, the International Law Students’ Association, University of Ibadan (ILSA UI), has launched its maiden essay competition for tertiary students across Nigeria.
The competition provides an opportunity for undergraduates to explore critical issues in international law while showcasing their analytical and writing skills on a global legal issue — “The Legality of Unilateral Economic Sanctions in International Law.”
The initiative, which offers mouth-watering cash prizes and nationwide recognition, aims to encourage deep legal reasoning and research on pressing global matters that affect international relations, trade, and diplomacy.
About the ILSA UI Essay Competition 2025
The International Law Students’ Association (ILSA) is a global organization that promotes the study and understanding of international law. The University of Ibadan chapter (ILSA UI) is one of the most active law student bodies in Nigeria, known for fostering intellectual discourse, research excellence, and international collaboration among students.
The ILSA UI Maiden Essay Competition marks a major milestone in the chapter’s journey of advancing legal scholarship, giving young Nigerian scholars the platform to share their perspectives on global legal issues and propose solutions backed by sound legal reasoning.
Essay Theme: “The Legality of Unilateral Economic Sanctions in International Law”
The theme of the competition, “The Legality of Unilateral Economic Sanctions in International Law,” is one of the most relevant and debated subjects in modern global affairs.
Unilateral economic sanctions — measures taken by one state or group of states against another — have become common tools of foreign policy. However, the legality of such sanctions under international law remains controversial.
Participants are expected to critically examine:
- Whether such sanctions violate the principles of sovereignty and non-interference.
- The extent to which unilateral sanctions align with or breach international legal norms.
- How these sanctions affect international trade, diplomacy, and human rights.
- Possible reforms or interpretations under public international law.
This essay competition challenges students to combine academic research with analytical thought, providing well-structured legal arguments supported by authorities such as international treaties, court judgments, and scholarly works.
Eligibility Criteria
According to the official announcement on myschoolscholarships.org, the competition is open to all students currently enrolled in any recognized tertiary institution in Nigeria, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
There is no restriction on the field of study, meaning both law and non-law students can participate — as long as they can engage with the topic from a research, legal, or international relations perspective.
Submission Guidelines
To ensure uniformity and fairness, ILSA UI has outlined specific rules for participants. Essays must be:
- Written in English language.
- Typed and double-spaced in Times New Roman, 12-point font.
- Between 1,500 and 2,000 words, excluding footnotes and references.
- Submitted in both Word and PDF formats.
- Properly referenced using a recognized citation style (Oxford, Harvard, or APA).
- Original and plagiarism-free — entries must be the participant’s own work.
Entries are to be submitted via the official ILSA UI competition portal or email (as indicated on the flier on myschoolscholarships.org).
Prizes to Be Won
The competition features exciting cash prizes for the top three winners:
- 🥇 1st Prize: ₦200,000
- 🥈 2nd Prize: ₦120,000
- 🥉 3rd Prize: ₦80,000
Aside from the financial rewards, winners will also receive certificates of achievement and recognition from ILSA UI. Top essays may be published or featured in future ILSA UI publications, newsletters, or partner academic journals.
Deadline for Submission
The deadline for submission of all essays is 18th October 2025.
Late entries will not be accepted, and participants are advised to submit early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
How to Apply for the ILSA UI Essay Competition
To participate in the ILSA UI Essay Competition 2025:
- Visit the official page: ILSA UI Maiden Essay Competition – Myschoolscholarships.org.
- Read the competition details carefully.
- Prepare your essay following the stated rules.
- Submit your essay in both Word and PDF formats via the email or submission link provided.
- Include your full name, institution, department, phone number, and valid student ID.
Why This Competition Is Important
This competition is more than just an academic challenge — it’s a platform for students to voice their thoughts on global justice and policy.
1. Encouraging Research and Innovation
It promotes critical legal research among undergraduates, encouraging them to think deeply about how international law influences global peace, trade, and governance.
2. Bridging Academia and Practice
Through topics like economic sanctions, participants connect theory with reality, linking what they learn in class to global issues.
3. Fostering International Collaboration
Being part of ILSA means connecting with thousands of students worldwide. The competition gives Nigerian students a chance to engage with the global ILSA network and stand out internationally.
4. Building Student Reputation
Winning or even participating in such a prestigious competition boosts a student’s academic CV, making them more attractive to law firms, graduate programs, and scholarship panels.
Tips for Writing a Winning Essay
If you want to stand out among hundreds of entries, follow these expert tips:
- Start Early: Begin researching now; don’t wait until the last week.
- Understand the Theme: Read widely about economic sanctions, international law principles, and case studies (e.g., U.S. vs Iran sanctions, Russia sanctions).
- Stay Focused: Stick strictly to the topic — “legality” means you must discuss law, not just politics.
- Use Credible Sources: Cite the UN Charter, ICJ judgments, and articles from reputable international law journals.
- Be Original: Avoid rewriting common arguments. Present your unique angle.
- Conclude Strongly: Summarize key findings and propose actionable insights.
- Proofread: Check grammar, citation, and formatting before submission.
Benefits of Participating
Even if you don’t win the top prize, participating in the ILSA UI Maiden Essay Competition brings numerous benefits:
- Enhances your academic writing and critical thinking skills.
- Connects you to networking opportunities within ILSA Nigeria and beyond.
- Strengthens your legal reasoning for future academic pursuits.
- Positions you for scholarships, fellowships, and research opportunities.
Conclusion
The ILSA UI Maiden Essay Competition 2025 is more than just a contest — it’s a platform for intellectual growth, a launchpad for young scholars, and a celebration of academic excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
With its thought-provoking theme, “The Legality of Unilateral Economic Sanctions in International Law,” the competition challenges students to critically engage with real-world legal dilemmas and propose innovative, well-researched arguments.
Whether you’re a law student or a passionate researcher in international studies, this is your opportunity to shine, learn, and contribute meaningfully to the global conversation on justice and international governance.
Call to Action
📅 Deadline: October 18, 2025
💰 Prizes: ₦200,000 | ₦120,000 | ₦80,000
🏛 Open To: All Nigerian tertiary institution students
📝 Theme: “The Legality of Unilateral Economic Sanctions in International Law”
Don’t miss out! Visit myschoolscholarships.org for full details and submission instructions.
