COMPOS MENTIS LEGAL PRACTITIONERS presents the DAFE AKPEDEYE SAN ESSAY COMPETITION for Law Students across all Nigerian Universities.

Competition Timeline:

  • Opening Date: 4th March 2025
  • Closing Date: 11th April 2025 (by 11:59 PM)
  • Announcement of Winners: 16th May 2025

TOPIC:

Regulating Online Lending in Nigeria: Addressing Exploitative Loan Practices

Registration:
Applicants must register their entry by completing the form on the Firm’s website.

ENTRY GUIDELINES:

Entries will be disqualified if they fail to meet any of the following requirements:

  • The competition is open exclusively to undergraduate law students in Nigerian Universities.
  • Entrants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate law programme at a Nigerian university and must have commenced their studies before the date of entry.
  • Entrants must upload valid proof of studentship, such as a Faculty of Law or Law Students’ Association Identity Card.
  • Word Limit: Essays must not exceed 2000 words (excluding references). Submissions exceeding this limit will be automatically disqualified.
  • Formatting Requirements: Entries must be typed in Times New Roman, font size 12, and double-spaced.
  • Language: Entries must be written in English. All non-English expressions, including maxims, must be italicised.
  • One Entry Per Participant: Each entrant is allowed only one Once submitted, entries cannot be revised. Ensure thorough proofreading and accuracy before submission.
  • Plagiarism Policy: The Firm maintains a zero-tolerance policy on plagiarism. Any plagiarised work will be disqualified.
  • Anonymity: Entries must not include personal details (name, age, university, etc.). This information should only be provided in the registration form.
  • Original Work: The essay must be the entrant’s own independent While guidance from others is permissible, group entries are strictly prohibited.
  • Permitted file formats: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF (.pdf). The system does not support Google Docs (.gdoc), Pages (.pages), or other word processing formats. If the Firm cannot access or open the submitted file due to format issues, the entry may be disqualified.
  • Adherence to Theme: Essays must be relevant to the supplied topic. Off-topic submissions will be disqualified.
  • Submission Deadline: Entries must be submitted no later than 11th April 2025 (11:59 PM). Late entries will not be considered.
  • Rights & Usage: Entrants retain copyright over their work. However, by entering the competition, participants consent to the use of their name and/or excerpts from their essay in advertisements, educational materials, research, and media/publicity by Compos Mentis Legal Practitioners.
  • Retention of Copies: Entrants are advised to keep a copy of their work, as the Firm will not return or provide copies of submitted entries.
  • Video Requirement: Each entrant must upload a 90-second video reflecting on their experience writing on the essay theme and tag the Firm on Instagram @composmentisng or Facebook @Compos Mentis Legal Practitioners.
  • Right to Disqualify Entries: The Firm reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with these guidelines or is deemed inappropriate.

We wish all entrants good luck!

Proceed to Essay Entry Form