The Chief Medical Director of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, has introduced an essay writing competition for undergraduates in tertiary institutions within Benue State. The contest, which begins on Monday, 1st September and closes on Sunday, 14th September, 2025, will centre on the theme: “Exploring Medical Tourism Potentials @BSUTH: Prospects and Challenges.”
In a statement, the organisers said the initiative is designed to generate new ideas on how BSUTH can position itself as a medical tourism hub. It will also provide a platform for young people to explore opportunities in healthcare development, economic growth, and the hospital’s global reputation, while analysing the obstacles that need to be tackled.
The grand finale of the event has been fixed for Monday, 22nd September, 2025. The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, will attend as Chief Host, while the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, will host the programme. Winners will be formally announced at the ceremony.
Prizes to be awarded include:
- N500,000 cash prize and a certificate for the first position
- N300,000 for second position
- N200,000 for third position
- Seven consolation prizes of N50,000 each alongside certificates
Eligibility:
- Open only to undergraduates of tertiary institutions in Benue State
Submission details:
- Deadline: Sunday, 14th September, 2025, by 11:59 PM
- All entries must be sent to bsuthessaycompetition@gmail.com with the subject line: “BSUTH CMD’S UNDERGRADUATE ESSAY COMPETITION”
Guidelines:
- Essays must be 750 to 1,200 words
- Format allowed: Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF
- Font: Arial or Calibri, size 12
- Line spacing: double
Entries will be judged using the following criteria:
- Content: 40%
- Organization: 20%
- Language and style: 20%
- Originality and creativity: 20%
The evaluation stage will run from Monday, 15th to Thursday, 18th September, 2025. Feedback and invitation letters for the top 10 participants will be issued on Friday, 19th September, followed by a physical screening test on Saturday, 20th September. The final results and prize awards will be presented on Monday, 22nd September, 2025.