The Birth of a Vision: The 2020 Inaugural Nation Ethics Contest by CSAAE
In 2020, the Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE) took a bold step towards nurturing ethical leadership among Nigerian youths by launching the Nation Ethics Contest. This initiative was born out of a deep concern for the growing ethical deficit in our society and the desire to engage young minds—particularly undergraduates—in the fight against corruption.
The maiden edition of the contest came in the form of an essay competition. Nigerian undergraduates across the country were invited to participate by selecting any form of corruption they observed in their environment. Participants were tasked with writing thoughtful and practical essays, identifying not only the nature of the corruption but also offering innovative solutions on how it could be eliminated.
The response was inspiring. Brilliant minds from universities nationwide shared stories rooted in personal experience and national realities, crafting essays that reflected both deep insight and a passion for positive change.
From the numerous submissions, ten of the best essays were selected for recognition. These winning entries were not only rewarded with prizes but also published in the C-Ethics Journal, giving these young writers a platform to be heard and a motivation to continue championing integrity.
The success of the 2020 edition set the tone for what has now become an annual event—a movement to promote ethical consciousness and leadership among Nigeria’s future leaders. Through initiatives like this, CSAAE continues to inspire and empower a generation that can lead with character, courage, and a strong sense of responsibility.