The top 8 are as follows:

1. Area: Sexual Violence
Sharing the Shame: Confronting Sexual Violence in Nigeria – 99.5%

2. Area: Economics
EXTERNAL DEBT: A Blessing or Cankerworm to the Nigerian Economy? – 97.5%



3. Area: Education: English Language
Towards a Result-Oriented Teaching of English language in Nigerian Schools- 96.5%


4. Area: Education
THE PITIABLE CONDITION OF TEACHING PROFESSION IN NIGERIA AND THE WAY OUT- 94% (675 words).
Average score for subject (adherence to topic, originality, feasibility)+ avg score for organization= 63.5

5. Area: Public Health
HEALTHCARE FINANCING: A PRACTICAL NIGERIAN MODEL- 94% (680 words). Average score for subject (adherence to topic, originality, feasibility) + avg score for organization= 60.5


6. Area: Elections
CURBING ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES AND DEFICIENCIES IN NIGERIA - 93.5%

7. Area: Education
EDUCATION SYSTEM IN NIGERIA - 92.5%

8. Area:Corruption in Nigeria
ESSAY ON CORRUPTION - 91%

babyosisi:


Did you make it nna a?

By His special grace ma'am.

I've never won an essay competition in my whole life. I've participated in so many essay competitions but it just never happens. While I leave my consistent good-luck to be much desired about in the private corners of my mind, my major aim of participating in this competition was to break that long streak of fall-outs in essay competitions and of course to revel in the undiluted pleasure of free Christmas money . Who no like better tin?

I want to appreciate the organizers for this gesture. First, for conceiving the idea. Secondly, for making it work. Because, indeed it has. I live in a society where people will prefer to spend money on women, alcohol, more women, some more alcohol, fame, beauty pageants, pool parties, political meetings etc Nobody cares so much about the youth, what they think and what they can offer. Most of the youth are now chasing frivolities - some because that's what they're primarily driven towards. Secondly, because that's what almost everybody is headed. So organizers, you've done an awesome thing.

To the participants, you are amazing. Whether you lifted your essay from Wikipedia, or you gave the organizers a draft of your PhD thesis - you are still amazing. Compared to the participation on Tonto Dike and Mr&Mrs Nairaland threads, you have indeed proven to be one of the remnants our society has. I say congratulations.

To the first prize winner, I also want to say congratulations. My aim for participating was to win first prize- I didn't even know they were other prizes. This fellow deserves a medal. Other winners with and without prizes, congratulations.

Finally, I think my score would have improved if my essay was left the way I submitted it. I wrote on a very grey area in the Nigerian health sector. Grey because painfully- that's not what the key players in the industry are after - but it is the ONLY answer to quality healthcare in Nigeria. So, I had organized my essay into paragraphs- 11 of them - with some paragraphs containing a SEPARATE THOUGHT RELATED TO THE TOPIC and the opening sentence of each paragraph introducing that thought. There was meant to be a flow which if absent would have the implication of non-adherence to topic and poor organization.

When the judge kept saying I scored low on the adherence to topic , originality and organization category, I didn't believe until I checked the submissions thread to notice that my essay was paragraphed differently from the original one. It was now 6 paragraphs with the opening sentence of some paragraphs either being in the body of the essay or in the last line of the preceding paragraph. And if I were to read it for the first time from some other person, I would say the fellow has a good point but poorly organized.

If this is intended to be an annual event, I would appeal that the paragraphing pattern of entries be left the way it is submitted. Asides from the content of thought expressed, the flow is important - especially when someone is writing on an unfamiliar territory.

Once again, congratulations to everyone. One love.

Lomaxx

You did not score low, you were tied for 4th.

The tiebreaker was the average score for SUBJECT plus the average score for organization.

The spaces had nothing to do with the organization score. Think of an oral speech: does the number and length of pauses you make affect the order of the words and ideas?

I don't know why your spaces didn't go through. Every other entry did. I did the best I could, and I asked you to let me know if there was a problem with the spacing--and I posted yours on the first day.

There were 24 people who scored below you. [s]Please don't make me dissect everyone's scores.[/s] I will not dissect everyone's scores.

CFCfan:
Once again, congrats to all our contestants.

We thank you for making out the time to send in your essays.

Thanks judges for a job welldone. Abeg you fit help me display my score details. So that I can take correction. Tnks

MissMeiya:
Lomaxx
There were 24 people who scored below you. Please don't make me dissect everyone's scores.

You can dissect the scores na, since the author's name is protected. #hope am sayin d mind of other contestant.#

AltarBoy1:
You can dissect the scores na, since the author's name is protected. #hope am sayin d mind of other contestant.#

twill be nice for the writers to know their shortcomings

MissMeiya:
Lomaxx

The spaces had nothing to do with the organization score. Think of an oral speech: does the number and length of pauses you make affect the order of the words and ideas?

A paragraph is more than just a pause.

You did a very good job. There's no need going back and forth. I preferred to be silent on the observation until I read somewhere on this thread that it should be an annual contest. I may not be there next year but someone else may. And it would be unfair to that person if his/her paragraphing is tampered with and organization or adherence to topic is a judging criteria. I stand corrected if I'm wrong.

An essay in organized into paragraphs and the opening sentence of each paragraph connects preceding paragraphs and subsequent ones.

I noticed it in the submissions thread and would have commented on it earlier. I held my peace because you said that the judges are not looking at the submissions thread. Hence, I wrongly assumed that what I submitted was in the judges hands while the one on the submissions thread was a mere post.

If I was wrong in pointing this out, I stand corrected and I tender my apologies without reservations. I'm used to the fact that life is not always about winning. You win some, you lose some - and you move on. I'm not trying to cause a stir over what has happened already- it's very unnecessary.

I was just pointing it out for the sake of the future. That's all.

MissMeiya:


Which form?

the youth movement form

CFCfan:
The top 8 are as follows:

1. Area: Sexual Violence
Sharing the Shame: Confronting Sexual Violence in Nigeria – 99.5%

2. Area: Economics
EXTERNAL DEBT: A Blessing or Cankerworm to the Nigerian Economy? – 97.5%



3. Area: Education: English Language
Towards a Result-Oriented Teaching of English language in Nigerian Schools- 96.5%


4. Area: Education
THE PITIABLE CONDITION OF TEACHING PROFESSION IN NIGERIA AND THE WAY OUT- 94% (675 words).
Average score for subject (adherence to topic, originality, feasibility)+ avg score for organization= 63.5

5. Area: Public Health
HEALTHCARE FINANCING: A PRACTICAL NIGERIAN MODEL- 94% (680 words). Average score for subject (adherence to topic, originality, feasibility) + avg score for organization= 60.5


6. Area: Elections
CURBING ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES AND DEFICIENCIES IN NIGERIA - 93.5%

7. Area: Education
EDUCATION SYSTEM IN NIGERIA - 92.5%

8. Area:Corruption in Nigeria
ESSAY ON CORRUPTION - 91%

Hahahaha. I did well sha. The judges and organizers did put in a good work. Let's keep doing stuff like this for youths to make Nigeria better.

My essay: Towards a Result-Oriented Teaching of English Language in Nigerian Schools

babyosis, CFCfan, MissMeiya, only if we could be this be organised in Nigeria. May you guys always walk tall.

i think the score of the whole essays should be written out without the author's name....so as for every participants to know their flaws...

This is my first time in a competition like this...although it's kinda kind of fun.....make una dey update me with more (competition) ..love competitions.

spankyflex:
the youth movement form

Try a different browser, or just send an email to movenga@bitrix24.com

Lomaxx, I'm not happy with what you're doing. I clearly told you why you lost the tiebreaker, and it had nothing to do with spacing. Imagine how those who scored below you feel. Don't you think they have reasons and justifications too? In fact, I'm receiving PMs already, and one of them explains why YOU should have been disqualified. Should I now begin collecting feedback and adjusting everyone's scores so everyone can be happy?

Please be gracious. You can't say one thing and then clearly have different intentions.

missmeiya,babyosisi,CFCfan,
I would like to know my score in order to address my short comings,you guys ain't replying my PM's.
congrats to the winners.

Numerouuuno:
missmeiya,babyosisi,CFCfan,
I would like to know my score in order to address my short comings,you guys ain't replying my PM's.
congrats to the winners.

Judges please

I wrote a proposal and received a grant for a study
One of the things I loved besides winning was the feedback commentaries from the reviewers about things I should have done or can improve on.
It tells you what they are thinking and what they are looking for
It may be too much to ask but missmeiya and CFCfan,if you both can give your feed back on the individual essays,it will help the contestants a lot.

Missmeiya I cannot stop complimenting you
For the benefit of the readers I had disagreed privately with her idea about the posts going into a repository anonymously.i wanted them posted on the thread for all to read
But hindsight,she did the right thing
No body was embarrassed including the ones that plagiarized
We don't know who they are
a critique or feedback on each essay may help everyone particularly those who didn't win this time to improve not just in essays like this but in similar things.

babyosisi:

a critique or feedback on each essay may help everyone particularly those who didn't win this time to improve not just in essays like this but in similar things.

my thought exactly, of what benefit is writing an essay and no comment or feedback is received?
if the judges are trying to avoid causing an embarrassment to contestants, I can receive my feedback via PM.
I would love to read a feedback.
thanks madam.

babyosisi:
I wrote a proposal and received a grant for a study
One of the things I loved besides winning was the feedback commentaries from the reviewers about things I should have done or can improve on.
It tells you what they are thinking and what they are looking for
It may be too much to ask but missmeiya and CFCfan,if you both can give your feed back on the individual essays,it will help the contestants a lot.

Missmeiya I cannot stop complimenting you
For the benefit of the readers I had disagreed privately with her idea about the posts going into a repository anonymously.i wanted them posted on the thread for all to read
But hindsight,she did the right thing
No body was embarrassed including the ones that plagiarized
We don't know who they are
a critique or feedback on each essay may help everyone particularly those who didn't win this time to improve not just in essays like this but in similar things.

Thank you again lol

I do agree with you, actually. The only thing I'm hesitant about is complaints and argument. Even with the averaged scoring, and you can ask CFCfan, I was worried about being as fair as possible--I even calculated the differences between both judge scores to make sure the essays were being scored consistently--you can see, there is still wahala. Not naming names. -_-

I have no problem updating the entries with their scores and commentary, but it's gonna take time. Sigh.

I was hoping to respond on a one on one basis. It's possible that some entrants don't care for a critique, like the one that copied 70% of his entry...

OK. Anyone who would like a critique, should mention or pm me and I'll do my best. I can't make any promises, only that I'll try.

MissMeiya:
In fact, I'm receiving PMs already, and one of them explains why YOU should have been disqualified. Should I now begin collecting feedback and adjusting everyone's scores so everyone can be happy?

I'm very interested in this one. Please, if my entry deserved to be disqualified, I think it should still be done. Hopefully, there will be other opportunities in the future and lessons drawn from this experience will apply.

Thank you.

lomaxx:



I'm very interested in this one. Please, if my entry deserved to be disqualified, I think it should still be done. Hopefully, there will be other opportunities in the future and lessons drawn from this experience will apply.

Thank you.

I didn't tell you because I believe you should be disqualified, but to show you that out of 35 entrants, if #4 has something to complain about, then #5-#34 damn well disagrees with their score as well.


Sigh.

Hmmmmmm...what's going on here?

keppyy:
Hmmmmmm...what's going on here?

We're drinking... Want some?

I would love to use this opportunity to congratulate those that participated in the competition. Again, thank you for believing and part taking. To those that won the prizes, I say well done!

Now, the last group that I would mention are those that used every possible tactics to discourage others from joining in this noble work, you owe this forum an apology or you may forever hide your faces in shame.

From all indications, this was a huge success. BabyOsisi, the judges, those that donated and supported in one way or the other God bless you all.

MissMeiya:


Thank you again lol

I do agree with you, actually. The only thing I'm hesitant about is complaints and argument. Even with the averaged scoring, and you can ask CFCfan, I was worried about being as fair as possible--I even calculated the differences between both judge scores to make sure the essays were being scored consistently--you can see, there is still wahala. Not naming names. -_-

I have no problem updating the entries with their scores and commentary, but it's gonna take time. Sigh.

I was hoping to respond on a one on one basis. It's possible that some entrants don't care for a critique, like the one that copied 70% of his entry...

OK. Anyone who would like a critique, should mention or pm me and I'll do my best. I can't make any promises, only that I'll try.

Hi I think you and the other judges did a good job. Saw the competition Saturday night and only started writing few hours to the deadline. Not bad that I came 6th sha although I admit missing out on the cash pinched me, hehehe, already started planning how I would form big boy for my house.
Anyways I think my use of humor didn't pay off, but I'd like to see your other input regards my essay, not to criticise you but to improve. I don't mind you dropping any notes you have on mine on this thread. Thanks and Merry Christmas.
P.S. Mine was the curbing electoral bla bla bla essay

Anyi3:


Hi I think you and the other judges did a good job. Saw the competition Saturday night and only started writing few hours to the deadline. Not bad that I came 6th sha although I admit missing out on the cash pinched me, hehehe, already started planning how I would form big boy for my house.
Anyways I think my use of humor didn't pay off, but I'd like to see your other input regards my essay, not to criticise you but to improve. I don't mind you dropping any notes you have on mine on this thread. Thanks and Merry Christmas.
P.S. Mine was the curbing electoral bla bla bla essay

Your use of humor scored you high points in style. It's the reason I remember your essay without going back to check. You didn't even need to say the name, because there was only one essay that made me laugh out loud.

Oh alright you've convinced me. I'll do it for as many essays as I can. Just not tonight lol

Lemme just say my mind

What's the essence of writing an exam without seeing my score/performance. I have many complain to make here but am trying my best to keep mute. I know I did not do well in my essay cos its the very first time I wrote an essay. I started d essay 3hrs to d expiration time but I did put my best.

You guyz gave us rule to follow.....most people did not even acknowledge the rule yet they top the competition.
Its just like writing an official exam without adhering to the instruction.

Anyway congrats again to the winners and thanks to aunty babyosisi and d judges

Akposy:
Lemme just say my mind

What's the essence of writing an exam without seeing my score/performance. I have many complain to make here but am trying my best to keep mute. I know I did not do well in my essay cos its the very first time I wrote an essay. I started d essay 3hrs to d expiration time but I did put my best.

You guyz gave us rule to follow.....most people did not even acknowledge the rule yet they top the competition.
Its just like writing an official exam without adhering to the instruction.

Anyway congrats again to the winners and thanks to aunty babyosisi and d judges

Let it go, man.. Just let it go..

Akposy:
Lemme just say my mind

What's the essence of writing an exam without seeing my score/performance. I have many complain to make here but am trying my best to keep mute. I know I did not do well in my essay cos its the very first time I wrote an essay. I started d essay 3hrs to d expiration time but I did put my best.

You guyz gave us rule to follow.....most people did not even acknowledge the rule yet they top the competition.
Its just like writing an official exam without adhering to the instruction.

Anyway congrats again to the winners and thanks to aunty babyosisi and d judges

Hmmmmmmmmmm...

Some people are just terrible losers. Have you seen a situation where those who lost out in Peak, Shell, NYSC or NNPC essay competitions are contacted and given explaination as regards why they lost out? The scores of those who made top 8 has been published. If your's wasn't there it means you failed to accumulate the needed score. Shey WAEC or NECO they give explaination letter to those wey fail their exam ni? You passed through secondary school, you are in or have passed through tertiary school and you are still looking for people to explain why you did not win in an essay competion. Carry the essay go give your English teacher or Lecturer na. If any of the judges decides to evaluate an essay that did not make the list then its purely a gift to the person and not a compulsory task that must be done. I hate whining, especially when its coming from guys.

martins301

I dont knw for those seeking explanation. But some pple, myself incusive, are asking for feedback, just for correctional purposes. I failed and I have accepted it with full force. This is not my first time of failing and that doesnt mean am a dullard. Am not in any way suppourting those who are fuming and looking for explanation. All I need is just a little feed back so I can correct myself.

AltarBoy1:
I dont knw for those seeking explanation. But some pple, myself incusive, are asking for feedback, just for correctional purposes. I failed and I have accepted it with full force. This is not my first time of failing and that doesnt mean am a dullard. Am not in any way suppourting those who are fuming and looking for explanation. All I need is just a little feed back so I can correct myself.

I wasn't talking about the likes of you. MissMeiya will probably address your issue when she's chanced. Meanwhile go on google and find out how to write and reference properly, and how to avoid plagiarism.

sonnie10:
I would love to use this opportunity to congratulate those that participated in the competition. Again, thank you for believing and part taking. To those that won the prizes, I say well done!

Now, the last group that I would mention are those that used every possible tactics to discourage others from joining in this noble work, you owe this forum an apology or you may forever hide your faces in shame.

From all indications, this was a huge success. BabyOsisi, the judges, those that donated and supported in one way or the other God bless you all.

You won't see them back here
People like carefreewannabe ,invertedhammer ,Phoinix and their co travelers who started their show of shame from the old thread to discourage people .They have slithered off like serpents and probably mad that the completion was a success.
Let this be a a lesson to the young people reading
When you have a plan,a dream,a goal,don't let anyone stop or discourage you
Those who want to discourage you sometimes will put up a big fight,but you should stay focused but be mindful that when you refuse to be moved,they often get angry and intensify their efforts and when you remain resolute,they always walk away in shame.


This may look like a simple thing but it has a great lesson
It reminds me of the story in Nehemiah about sanbalat and Tobiah
When the children of Israel were rebuilding the wall,they were making fun of them and their efforts,they critised them,criticized the quality of their work and when they people persisted,the Bible says the men got enraged and co-haters joined them in droves and they began to threaten violence but the Israelites used a strategy,they appointed watchmen over the workers,some of the workers became watchmen with arms and others worked.It did not deter them.
A parallel of this happened here.
That is a good story for anyone who needs courage to silence the voice of negative people.Many of them are motivated by envy.