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2026 Policy Challenge

Theme: Rebuilding Trust in the Nigerian State: Institutional Reforms for Legitimacy, Effectiveness and Inclusive Governance

Apply Now!

Application open till May 29th 2026

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About The Policy Challenge

The Policy Challenge is a competition convening Africa’s brightest young minds (thinkers, & emerging leaders) in tertiary institutions to propose well-researched, innovative policy ideas to Nigeria’s most pressing governance and development challenges.

Learn more about the challenge

Apply Now!
2026 Theme

Rebuilding Trust in the Nigerian State: Institutional Reforms for Legitimacy, Effectiveness, and Inclusive Governance

The 2026 edition invites participants to explore practical reforms that can strengthen public institutions, improve accountability, and restore citizens’ confidence in governance. Proposals should focus on bold, implementable ideas that make institutions more transparent, effective, and responsive to the people they serve.

Explore the theme

Timeline of Important Dates

April 3 Application Opens


May 29 Submission window closed at 11:59 PM


June 12 Deadline for selection notification of state finalists


June 19 Deadline for state qualifiers to confirm attendance


July 6 -24 Selection notification of the top three (3) Finalists.


August 12 TPC Nigeria Public Policy Conference & Award Ceremony

Prizes

1st Place

N2,000,000 + 3-month Paid Internship

2nd Place

N1,000,000

3rd Place

N750,000

Top (10) Finalists

Will have their proposals published in the 2026 Policy Challenge Compendium

Everything you need to know to compete in
the 2025 Policy Challenge.

Entry Requirements

How to Apply
✅ Eligibility Criteria

  • Open to: Undergraduate students currently enrolled (full-time or part-time) in a Nigerian tertiary institution during the 2025/2026 academic year.


  • Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old by August 2026.


  • Team Structure: Minimum of 2 members, maximum of 4 per team. All team members must be from the same tertiary institution.


  • Finalist Commitment: All team members must be available to attend the Policy Conference in Abuja on August 12, 2026 if selected.
How to Submit Your Entry
📅 Submission Guidelines
  • Deadline: May 29, 2026 – 11:59 PM CST
  • Format: PDF or DOCX
  • Word Count: 2,000 – 4,000 words (excluding references)
📄 Your Policy Proposal Must Include:
  • ✅ Abstract (250–350 words): A concise summary of your proposal.

  • ✅ Policy Background: Context and background of the issue you’re addressing.

  • ✅ Problem Statement: Why this policy area needs reform.

  • ✅ Two or More Policy Options: Present viable and creative solutions.

  • ✅ Recommended Action: The best option, with justifications.

  • ✅ Evidence & Data: Strong research to back your points.

  • ✅ Bibliography: Properly cited sources.

📘 Need more details?
Download the Rulebook for complete guidelines and formatting instructions.
👉 Download Rulebook Here

How to Apply

📌 Step 1: Download and read through the Rulebook; it contains all the information you need.
👉 Download Here


📌 Step 2: The team will agree on a unique team name, and the team leader will register the team name along with its members.


📌 Step 3: The team leader will upload and submit the team’s policy proposal (PDF or DOCX format).


📩 A confirmation email will be sent once your proposal is successfully submitted.

The Policy Challenge empowers young Nigerians to develop practical, research-based solutions to governance and development issues while gaining visibility, mentorship, and national recognition.

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