The fifth Annual TeensThink International Essay Competition reached its thrilling conclusion in Ikeja, Lagos, uniting teenage intellectuals from across Africa in a powerful celebration of innovation, creativity, and ethical reflection.
Established as a transformative educational platform, the competition welcomed over 100 essay submissions from young thinkers in Nigeria, Liberia, Kenya, and Cameroon. With the 2025 theme, “Humanity and Artificial Intelligence: How Can a Blend of the Two Make the World a Better Place — A Teen’s Perspective,” participants were challenged to explore how emerging technologies can serve, rather than overshadow, the human condition.
From the impressive submissions, 16 finalists were shortlisted through a rigorous selection process assessed by respected teachers, educational consultants, and scholars. Judges evaluated the essays for originality, clarity, relevance, depth, and creativity.
Honouring Africa’s Brightest Young Minds
1st: Opabiyi Josephine — The Federal College of Education Abeokuta, Model Secondary School (82 points)
2nd: Eniola Kananfo — Ota Total Academy, Ota (81 points)
3rd: Oghenerugba Akpabor-Okoro — Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu (80 points)
The winners received brand-new laptops, educational books, rechargeable fans, scrabble games, and cash prizes. Their groundbreaking essays will be published on respected educational platforms to spark broader dialogue on AI and ethics across the continent.
On behalf of TeensThink’s Founder/Convener, David Olesin expressed pride in the contestants and reaffirmed the organization’s mission:
‘TeensThink is deeply committed to preparing teenagers for leadership in a fast-evolving world. Through platforms like this competition, we empower young minds to challenge norms, embrace curiosity, and develop the confidence to drive real-world change—especially in fields like Artificial Intelligence’, he said.
The event’s momentum reached a peak with the unveiling of QuestAIKids – https://questaikids.com, a groundbreaking, free artificial intelligence learning platform. Launched by AI educator and innovator, Dr. Celestine Achi, the platform aims to democratise AI education, providing free access to premium learning resources for children across Africa.
Achi, who is also CEO of Cihan Media Communications and keynote speaker at the event, told the captivated audience: ‘The people who change the world are the ones who dare to ask, “What if”? Africa’s youth must seize the opportunity to shape the continent’s future with daring ideas powered by empathy and intelligence’.
The finale was not all essays and accolades. It featured vibrant performances by Anyangbemisola the Drummer Girl, saxophonist Demilade Adepegba, and rapper Young T, blending artistry with intellect in a soul-stirring celebration of Africa’s limitless youth talent.
Chairman of the TeensThink Advisory Committee, Dr. Adeboye Adeyemi captured the event’s essence: ‘These teens are not waiting for the future—they’re actively redefining it. Their ideas, their voices, and their passions are shaping a smarter, more ethical digital Africa’.
With its fifth edition now successfully concluded, TeensThink is expanding its vision. Future plans include partnerships with education ministries, AI incubators, and youth-led initiatives to deliver workshops, innovation labs, and mentorship programs throughout the year—bridging knowledge and impact across borders.
TeensThink is an education-driven initiative that cultivates leadership, creativity, and critical thinking among Africa’s teenagers. Through essay competitions, mentorship programs, and digital education platforms, it empowers young people to engage meaningfully with today’s most pressing challenges and ideas.
The 2025 TeensThink Essay Competition was proudly supported by SLOT, STL Trustees, Nigerian Breweries, Coronation, Tulcan Energy, MTN, and MultiChoice.
