IBADAN, OYO STATE — In a significant move to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria’s public education sector, Karim Adeyemi Foundation (KAF) has successfully conducted its 2026 IDSDP Annual Essay Competition, a landmark digital assessment initiative for public school students in Oyo State.
On Saturday, March 28, 55 shortlisted students from various government secondary schools across Ibadan converged on the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (UI DLC) to participate in the final stage of the competition.
The initiative, aimed to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) annually on April 6, marks a departure from traditional assessment methods by prioritizing digital literacy alongside intellectual rigor.
Since moving away from traditional paper-based assessments after the inaugural 2023 edition, KAF has integrated a practical digital component into its scholarship selection process. The Foundation has used this format to ensure the highest standards of transparency and to provide public school students with critical exposure to ICT environments.
The 90-minute examination tested finalists with one of the most sophisticated intellectual challenges in the program’s history.
Students were asked to adopt the persona of the Nigerian Minister of Sports to design a local sports solution in Ibadan that could ‘Break a Barrier’ that currently exists, citing the problem, the design solution, and it’s benefits in Economic development, Education, and Social Change for their generation.
Speaking at the exam centre, A teacher from Ajibode Grammar School said, “we have seen a visible rise in confidence, critical thinking, and writing skills among the students who participate in the competition,”
Students also shared that while the format initially felt challenging, it built their familiarity with computer-based assessments, making them feel more prepared for future academic opportunities.
The Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Aanu Oluyide, emphasized that the project is a long-term investment in human capital.
“It doesn’t end with the prize,” she stated. “The winners receive a one-year mentorship, specialized tutorials, digital skills training, and masterclasses through our partners, Edu Tutors and SkillNG, ensuring they are equipped for academic excellence in their WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examinations, as well as life after Secondary School.
“We are identifying the brightest minds Government schools in various communities including Lanlatẹ, and Agọ Aarẹ, and giving them the push to succeed in life.”
The 2026 edition highlights a growing ecosystem of support that aligns with KAF’s broader mission to empower one million Nigerians by 2030 by ensuring that financial and infrastructure deficits do not hinder a child’s path to success. The program concluded with the presentation of certificates of participation.
Following the review of these CBT responses by a panel of expert judges, the top winners will be announced at a grand Awards Ceremony in May, where they will claim their portions of the ₦1,000,000 scholarship prize pool.
As the world marks IDSDP today, KAF continues to stand out as a pioneer in Oyo State, proving that sport is not just a game, but a sophisticated tool for developing the technical and analytical skills of Nigeria’s future leaders.
