Karim Adeyemi Foundation
IDSDP Essay Competition 2026
Using Sport to Build Bridges and Break Barriers
Karim Adeyemi Foundation (KAF) IDSDP Essay Competition is an annual initiative organised to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), observed globally on April 6.
This competition empowers public secondary school students in Oyo State to use their voices, creativity, and ideas to show how sport can drive peace, inclusion, community development, and positive social change.
The 2026 Challenge
"More Than Just a Street Kid: How Sports Can Rebuild the Reputation of Communities.”
People often look down on our communities. They see “street,” they see “trouble.” But we know the truth.
“Argue how sports can act as a bridge for the world to see the good in your community, thereby breaking the barrier of stigma.”
Hurry Up and Apply
Before the Deadline
Register Your Interest to Claim a Portion of the 1,000,000 Prize Money
- 00Days
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Your Voice.
Your Game.
Your Win.
in the KAF IDSDP Essay Competition 2026.
Hall of Fame 📸
Previous winners living their best lives.
Essay Competition Timeline
| Phase | Date | Duration | More Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Expression of Interest Phase |
Monday, February 09 – Friday, March 06, 2026 |
4 Weeks |
Students submit their essays or poems on the topic “More Than Just a Street Kid: How Sports Can Rebuild the Reputation of Communities.” Submissions can be made via email, and the competition website. |
|
Selection of Finalists |
To be announced |
2 Weeks |
A panel of judges will review submissions based on originality, creativity, and relevance. Selected finalists will advance to the next stage. |
|
Finals (Computer-Based Test – CBT Essay Writing) |
To be announced |
4 hours |
Finalists will write an essay on a related topic at designated CBT centre in Ibadan. The topic is based on this year’s IDSDP theme. |
|
Selection of Winners |
TBA |
TBA |
The top 10 winners will be announced and notified. |
|
Judging Criteria
with a total score of 100 marks, based on:
- Originality
- Creativity
- Clarity of expression
- Relevance to the theme
Judging will be:
- Anonymous
- Transparent
- Fair
The Prizes 💰
to help cover their WAEC, NECO, and JAMB exam fees.
This opportunity is open exclusively to students currently in SS2 and SS3.
1st Place
₦200,000
- Meet Karim Adeyemi
- VIP Event Access
- Publication Feature
2nd Place
₦150,000
- Certificate
- Media Feature
3rd Place
₦100,000
- Certificate
- Media Feature
Help Shape the Next Generation of Writers and Thinkers
Join Us as a Judge for the IDSDP 2026 Essay Competition!
Karim Adeyemi Foundation is seeking experienced educators, writers, and sports development experts to serve as judges for the IDSDP 2026 Essay Competition. Your expertise will help recognize and celebrate outstanding young talents in public secondary schools across Oyo State.
See The Receipts 🧾
Think we’re joking? Check out the recap from last year. Real students, real money, and the King himself, Karim Adeyemi, hanging out with the winners.
About IDSDP
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 to recognise sport as a low-cost, high-impact tool for education, youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and community development.
Through this essay competition, KAF is harnessing the power of sport to inspire young people and reshape narratives around their communities.
Notes of Appreciation for the Program
I have been treated like a very important person since 2024 that I've won the first position. I only look forward to making the foundation proud in my SSCE results.
Adebayo Tasleemah
Winner, 2024
Since 2024 that my daughter has won the second position, they have kept in touch till she gained admission into FUTA. The foundation has also provided guided guidance to her through one of their staff. I really appreciate all the foundation has done and still doing.
Mrs. Adeyemo
Parent of Adeyemo Bright
I was Part of the Top 10 of 2025, so I messaged sister Aanu about the foundation if I can participate again now that I'm in SS3. I won 50,000 naira towards my exam. That's the highest I have ever gotten in my life as a student. I wasn't expecting it at all. I wish I could participate every year.
Past Winner
Student
I was in the top 10 of IDSDP for 2025 and through IDSDP I also got to be shortlisted for the KAF Tutorials for Science Students. I am really looking forward to making KAF proud in my SSCE results.
Orolakin Abisola
Student, St. Louis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. All entries must follow the stated guidelines for the competition. Submissions that do not meet the requirements may be disqualified.
Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Any entry found to be copied, AI-generated without originality, or not the student’s own work will be automatically disqualified.
No. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. Students are advised to submit early to avoid last-minute issues.
Teachers are encouraged to mentor and guide students, but the ideas, content, and final submission must be entirely the student’s own work.
No, students who applied before wont be considered again because we need to create room for more students to benefit.
Schools are encouraged to:
Actively promote the competition among students
Identify and encourage interested students
Provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision throughout the process
Yes. Participating schools will receive transport stipends for their representatives attending the award ceremony.
Yes. All participating students and schools will receive Certificates of Participation.
Shortlisted students will be contacted using the email and phone number provided during registration. Please ensure your contact details are accurate.
No. Participation in Karim Adeyemi Foundation IDSDP Essay Competition is completely FREE. The Foundation will never request money, passwords, or OTPs.
No. Each student is allowed to submit only one entry. Multiple submissions may lead to disqualification.
You can reach us via:
📱 Social media: @karimadeyemifdn
