About the contest
As part of the lead-up to the maiden edition of The IPX Series on December 9, 2026, the Abia Edition, we are inviting university students to write an essay on how intellectual property can help Nigerian creators protect their work, build profitable businesses and reach new markets.
The contest is open to all students, regardless of faculty or discipline, who meet the eligibility requirements below. Selected entrants will have the chance to connect with the businesses attending the event.
Essay topic
“From Creative Hustle to Profitable Business: How Can Intellectual Property Help Nigerian Creators Protect Their Work and Reach New Markets?”
All entrants address the same topic and are assessed on the same criteria. Explore how Nigerian creators can use intellectual property to protect their work, build profitable businesses and access local and international markets.Who can enter, and the essay rules
Eligibility
- You must be a currently enrolled undergraduate at a recognised university in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
- Students from all faculties and disciplines are welcome, provided the essay engages meaningfully with intellectual property and the stated topic.
- You must provide proof of current enrolment: a valid Student ID Card, an Admission Letter, or a letter from the registrar or faculty office, dated within the current academic session.
Essay requirements
- Word limit: maximum 1,000 words, including title and footnotes.
- Style: Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 line spacing.
- Format: PDF or Word document.
- Originality: your own work, not published elsewhere and not submitted to another competition. Plagiarism means disqualification.
- AI use: AI-generated content is not permitted.
- Anonymity: no name, university or identifying details in the essay. All identity information goes in the cover sheet.
- One entry per person.
How to submit
- Send your entry by email to admin@theipxseries.com.
- Use the subject line IP Essay Contest: [Your Surname].
- Attach two separate files: your anonymised essay, and your completed cover sheet with proof of enrolment.
- Submit by 20 November 2026, 23:59. Late or incomplete entries will not be considered.
- You will receive an email acknowledgement within 5 working days of submission.
Cover sheet and proof of eligibility
The cover sheet must include:
- Full name
- Email address and phone number
- Name of university
- Faculty and department
- Year of study and matriculation number
- Essay topic
- Essay title and word count
- A short statement confirming the essay is original work
- Consent to the processing of personal data for contest administration (and, if you wish, consent to being introduced to attending businesses)
Proof of enrolment must be one of the following, dated within the current academic session: a valid Student ID Card, an Admission Letter, or a letter from the registrar or faculty office.
How entries are judged
Essays are marked anonymously out of 100 by a panel of judges.
Does the essay go beyond description, weigh competing arguments, and reach reasoned conclusions?
Does the essay answer the set question directly and stay focused on it?
Does the essay accurately apply IP principles and engage with Nigerian law, industry, and practical realities?
Does the essay offer fresh perspectives or innovative solutions?
Are the recommendations realistic and useful to businesses, creators and institutions, including for commercialisation and access to local or international markets?
Is the essay well organised, clearly written, and properly referenced?
In the event of a tie, the judges will decide the winner by reference to the originality and analysis scores.
Panel of judges
Prizes and recognition
Cash prize, one year of mentorship with a distinguished intellectual property lawyer, and a one-month internship with a sponsor organisation.
Cash prize and complimentary gifts from event sponsors.
Cash prize.
The top three winners are required to attend the maiden edition of The IPX Series on 9 December 2026 in Aba, Abia State, for the prize presentation.
General terms
- The organisers’ decision is final.
- Entrants grant the organisers a non-exclusive licence to publish or share their essay in connection with the event, with full credit to the author. Copyright remains with the entrant.
- Personal data will be used only for administering the contest and, with consent, for introductions to businesses.
- The organisers may amend these rules or cancel the contest where necessary and will notify entrants if they do.