The International Law Students’ Association, University of Ibadan Chapter (ILSA UI), has announced its 2025 National Essay Competition, open to students at all Nigerian tertiary institutions. This initiative encourages intellectual discussions, the writing of legal documents, and the understanding of international laws among the upcoming scholars.
The 2025 edition concentrates specifically on the biggest issues in the current international environment—the question of whether or not unilateral economic sanctions are in the international legal system. With attractive cash prizes as well as national recognition, this contest gives students the chance to show off their writing and analytical abilities.
About the Competition
The ILSA UI Essay Competition is an annual competition that aims to bring Nigerian learners into discussion about international legal questions. The theme for 2025 is
“The Legality of Unilateral Economic Sanctions in International Law.”
Participants must examine the possibility that one state is able to issue economic sanctions without multilateral support from organizations such as those of the United Nations. Essays should examine any legal frameworks and conflicts and the implications of these sanctions for global governance.
Eligibility
The competition is open to all students in recognized Nigerian tertiary institutions—universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. It is not necessary to be a law student in order to be eligible, but your essay must be well-thought-out and demonstrate understanding of the law and clearness of writing.
Prizes
The organizers have announced the following cash prizes for the top performers:
- First Prize: N200,000
- Second Prize: N120,000
- Third Prize: N80,000
Alongside the cash prize, the winning essays could be published in ILSA publications or on its affiliated legal platforms, thereby giving writers exposure to professionals and academics.
Important Dates
- Call for Entries: October 2025
- Deadline for Submission: 18 October 2025 (by 11:59 p.m.)
Late submissions are not accepted or considered, and entries submitted late after the deadline will be disqualified automatically.
Submission Guidelines
Step 1: Write Your Essay
Write an essay that is well-structured and well-organized on the official topic: “The Legality of Unilateral Economic Sanctions in International Law.”
Your essay should contain:
- A concise introduction that explains the subject.
- An analysis of the pertinent legal concepts under international law.
- This should include arguments both in favor of and against unilateral sanctions.
- When applicable, provide examples of cases or precedents from the law.
- The conclusion should provide a concise summary of your stance.
Step 2: Format Your Work
- Essays should be written in Microsoft Word and PDF formats.
- Font: Times New Roman, size 12, line spacing 1.5.
- Length of the document: Between 1500 and 12,500 words (excluding the references).
- Make sure to include the name, your institution along with contact details, and the year of your study on an additional cover page.
- Be sure to maintain the integrity of your academic work. Plagiarism could result in an automatic exclusion.
Step 3: Submit Online
Complete your essay using your formal online application that is accessible through the ILSA UI’s confirmed communication channel. Upload both the Word and PDF versions and verify that your personal details are true.
Step 4: Confirmation
After the submission, make a note either of the confirmation you received or a screen capture. This can be used as evidence for any problems with your submission.
Tips for a Strong Essay
- Be Unique: Avoid copying online materials or essays from earlier.
- Utilize reliable sources: Cite recognized authorities like UN conventions, ICJ decisions, or legal commentary.
- Keep Concentrated: Address only unilateral sanctions. Avoid drifting towards general laws on sanctions.
- Show understanding: Demonstrate awareness of the international legal system as well as real-world practices.
- Check for proofreading: Structure, grammar, and logical flow all matter just as much as content.
Disqualification Conditions
Entry entries are not eligible if:
- Your application will be disqualified if it is submitted after the deadline.
- Failing to discuss what the main theme is.
- Don’t follow the specified word count or formatting.
- Contain plagiarized material.
- Don’t include incorrect personal or institutional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Anyone who is a student who is currently enrolled at an accredited tertiary institution in Nigeria.
2. Do I have to be a law student? Is it necessary? Not at all. The competition is open to students of all disciplines; however, entries that have strong legal arguments are more likely to be successful.
3. Do I have the option of joining another ILSA writing contest this year? It’s not possible. Participants are allowed to sign up for only one competition in the same year.
4. How do winners get notified? Winners will be notified by either phone or email and then announced on the official ILSA UI social media accounts.
5. Are there any registration fees? Is there a fee for registration? There is no registration fee. Participation is free.
Conclusion
The ILSA The UI Essay Competition in 2025 provides a fantastic chance for Nigerian learners to assess their understanding, develop their writing abilities, and participate in international debates on law. With its global coverage and rewarding prizes, the competition motivates students to consider the implications of global issues and help contribute to the development of law.
If you’re passionate about law or diplomacy, or even governance, If you are interested in law, diplomacy, or governance, this is your opportunity to have an impact. Make sure you write your essay in time, adhere to the guidelines strictly, and submit it by the deadline. Quality, originality, and clarity could help you become one of the future winners of the Illinois Student Association UI Essay Competition 2025.
